Electron multiplication in controlled secondary electron emission

In our present work we attempt to reconcile experimental data on CSEE (controlled secondary electron emission) when strongly ionizing ..cap alpha..-particles pass through various porous media with the mechanism suggested by Jacobs. Unlike weakly ionizing ..beta..-particles, ..cap alpha..-particles produce continuous ionization along their entire trajectory in the layer. In our treatment we will consider electron avalanches which originate deep inside the porous layer and develop to include almost the entire thickness of the l ayer, since these avalanches are responsible for most of the electrons emitted from the layer. (AIP)