Thermal and photoelectric ionization of solid particles

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Abstract
A discussion of the various physical processes relevant to the ionization of solid particles is given. Detailed considerations of the rates of thermionic and photoelectric emission from charged particles, electron attachment and recombination with charged particles and energy exchange in these processes are presented. From these considerations an expression for the equilibrium constant of the ionization reaction of solid particles has been derived. This expression has been used by earlier workers based on intuitive considerations in their investigation of the charge distribution of particles in thermal equilibrium. The steady state and transient charge distribution and energy exchange under non-equilibrium conditions have also been investigated. Expressions for refractive index and absorption coefficient of the medium for electromagnetic waves have also been derived.