The Diffusion of Slow Electrons in Deuterium

Abstract

The agitational energies and drift velocities of slow electrons diffusing in deuterium are measured as a function of the ratio Z/p of the electric field strength Z to the gas pressure p. The lateral spread of the diffusing electron stream is measured, which enables Townsend's energy coefficient to be calculated. Drift velocities are measured using a magnetic deflection method. On the basis of the kinetic theory of gases these measurements are used to calculate values for the mean free path L of the electrons at unit pressure, the mean proportion η of the energy lost by an electron in a collision with a deuterium molecule, and the collisional cross section A of the molecules in collisions with the electrons. The values obtained are compared with those of Crompton and Sutton (1952) for hydrogen.