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Relativistic electrons from sparks in the laboratory
N Østgaard1, B E Carlson2, R S Nisi1
1Birkeland Centre for Space Science, Department of Physics and Technology University of Bergen Bergen Norway.
Journal of Geophysical Research. Atmospheres : JGR
|November 15, 2016
Summary
Researchers investigated electron production in meter-scale sparks using a Marx generator. Findings suggest relativistic electrons, not soft photons, are the primary source of detected bursts, supporting theories of electron acceleration in strong electric fields.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- High voltage (HV) Marx generators create meter-scale sparks.
- Previous research indicated X-ray production in negative HV sparks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect electrons produced in meter-scale sparks.
- To identify the source of detected photon bursts.
Main Methods:
- Discharge experiments using a 1 MV Marx generator.
- Detection of photon bursts with plastic detectors near the spark gap.
- Comparison of experimental data with modeling results.
Main Results:
- Detected bursts are primarily attributed to ~300 keV electrons.
- These electrons are likely accelerated 30-60 cm from the negative electrode.
- Soft photons (<10 keV) account for only 20%-45% of detected bursts.
Conclusions:
- Relativistic electrons are the main source of detected bursts in negative HV sparks.
- Electron acceleration occurs in strong electric fields from counterstreamers.
- Experimental findings align with theoretical models of spark discharge physics.
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