Electron-beam-generated conductivity in N2 and air

A plasma channel, with a low degree of ionization, can be generated by an electron beam propagating in a gaseous medium. The time evolution of the channel conductivity plays a key role in beam propagation, and also in regards to applications of such channels, to switching for example. The conductivity, in turn, depends on a large number of atomic and molecular processes which in general comprise the channel chemistry. These basic processes affecting the conductivity will be discussed in detail. In addition, chemistry models and computer results will be presented for the conductivity generated in N2 and air by intense high energy electron beams.