The Townsend Ionization Coefficients in Crossed Electric and Magnetic Fields

Abstract

An expression is obtained for the first Townsend ionization coefficient in uniform crossed electric and magnetic fields, and shown to be in better agreement with observation than previous theoretical expressions. The" equivalent pressure" concept for the effect of a transverse magnetic field on this coefficient is shown to be a valid approach to the problem, although the value for the equivalent pressure obtained in this analysis differs from the values given by earlier authors.