Generation of a supershort avalanche electron beam in a subnanosecond breakdown in different gases at pressures from 1 torr to 15 atm

The paper considers the properties of a supershort avalanche electron beam (SAEB) produced in different gases at the pressures from 1 torr to 15 atm. The SAEB downstream of a gas diode foil was detected at sulphur hexafluoride and xenon pressures up to 2 atm, nitrogen pressure up to 5 atm, and helium pressure up to 15 atm. It is demonstrated that at an air pressure of 1 atm, the SAEB is generated into an angle larger than 2 π sr. It is shown that the highest amplitudes of a SAEB of short duration are attained in different gases at low pressures.