Ionization measurements and absolute radiation yields in the γ-radiolysis of gaseous hydrogen sulphide

Abstract

Ion currents produced in hydrogen sulphide in a cylindrical ion chamber by γ-radiolysis have been measured. Saturation points on the ion current curves were located by application of general recombination theory. These saturation currents were then used to estimate that the average energy W(H₂S) required to produce an ion pair in hydrogen sulphide is 25.3±0.4 eV. Other values determined were W(CH₃SH)= 25.1±0.4 eV, W(N₂O)= 32.7±0.4 eV and W(SF₆)= 35.0±0.4 eV.

Hydrogen and sulphur are produced upon irradiation, with radiation yields (molecules per 100 eV energy absorbed, or G values)G(H₂)= 7.0±0.2 and G(S)= 7.0±0.4 relative to W(H₂S)= 25.3 eV. Possible use of the production of hydrogen from the radiolysis of hydrogen sulphide as a gas dosimeter is discussed.