Measurement of the Ionization in Liquid Argon due to X-rays

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Abstract
Measurements of the ionization current in liquid argon are described. In contrast to other liquids investigated, it was possible to reach a saturation current. This can be explained by the presence of free electrons instead of negative ions. The degree of saturation depends on the linear energy transfer of the ionizing photoelectrons. This fact agrees with the theory of columnar ionization. Knowing the saturation current and the absorbed energy the mean energy per ion pair can be calculated. The value of 257 eV thus obtained agrees to within experimental accuracy, with the values determined for gaseous argon.