Analysis of electronic conduction pulses produced in liquid ionization chambers by high-energy radiation

The electron pulse shape produced by the passage of an ionizing particle through a liquid-filled ionization chamber is analyzed theoretically. In addition, the authors discuss the effect of an electric field on the observed pulse height Q/sub e/(t/sub d/), where t/sub d/ is the electron drift time. The analysis of the pulse shape yields information on the type of particle and on the purity of the liquid. For reliable operation, a condition of the liquid characterized by tau >>t/sub d/ (where tau is the electron lifetime) has to be achieved. A plot of the pulse peak height as a function of the electric field strength for cosmic ray particles can be used to deduce the electron lifetime.<>