THE TIME LAG OF THE ELECTRIC SPARK

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Abstract
The variation in the time lag of the electric spark has been investigated as a function of the applied field and the number of electrons liberated at the cathode by ultraviolet light, during the application of the field. The time intervals were measured by a Lichtenberg figure method with a precision of 5×10−10 sec. A biasing positive potential was applied to the zinc cathode in such a way that not only were the residual ions removed from between the electrodes before the application of the field but a known number of electrons could be liberated from the cathode by ultraviolet light while the field was applied. For the case of air, hydrogen, and nitrogen curves are given showing how the time lag decreases with an increase in the number of electrons liberated during the application of the field. It is shown that with comparatively high applied fields the time lag reduces to approximately the time required for an electron to be liberated in the gap.