The application of convolution-based statistical model on the electrical breakdown time delay distributions in neon under /spl gamma/ and UV radiation

Results of the statistical analysis of the electrical breakdown time delay for neon-filled tube at 6.5 mbar with and without /spl gamma/ and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation are presented in this paper. Experimental distributions of the breakdown time delay are established on the basis of 1000 successive and independent measurements for different exposition dose rates of /spl gamma/-irradiation, and UV illumination with known spectrum. Obtained experimental density distributions are modeled with convolution-based model, proposing two independent random variables with exponential and Gaussian distribution, respectively. The tendency of the breakdown time delay distribution to change shape from the exponential-like to the Gaussian-like is found by increasing the exposition rate of the /spl gamma/ irradiation. In addition, the characteristic strong reduction of the time delay is identified in the tube under the UV illumination.