Analysis of mechanisms which lead to electrical breakdown in a krypton-filled tube using the time delay method

Contributions of krypton ions and krypton metastables, as well as contributions of gamma-radiation and cosmic rays to the electrical breakdown in a krypton-filled tube have been analysed by use of the time delay method. The experimental results have shown that each of these contributions strictly depends on the afterglow period. The time delay method has enabled the determination of both the recombination time of positive ions and the lifetime of metastables, created in previous discharge. The obtained value of metastable lifetime is in agreement with its theoretical value. The dependence of the electrical breakdown on exposed dose rate of gamma-rays from the radiation source has also been investigated.