Space charge effect on the electrostatic collection of thoron decay products

Investigations on electrostatic collection of thoron decay products as a function of field strength in a special source-electrode arrangement have been performed. Yields of the decay products vs. field strength were measured by solid state silicon and CR-39 track-etched detectors. Results show a significant space charge effect on the yield of collected products if an insulator is placed between the electrodes. The intensities of the collected thoron daughters are influenced strongly by the air stream present in the cell.