The Diffusion and Attachment of Electrons in Water Vapour

Abstract

The energy ratio and attachment coefficient for electrons in water vapour have been determined in the range 20 < E/p < 60 V cm^−l torr^−l. The results for the attachment coefficient are in general agreement with other recent determinations, but those for the energy ratio differ significantly from the results of Bailey and Duncanson. The use of these new data, in conjunction with values of the drift velocity determined by Pack, Voshall, and Phelps, is shown to remove the serious discrepancy which previously existed between the results of single-collision and swarm experiments.