electron avalanche
Ionization chain reaction
An electron avalanche is a chain reaction in which free electrons accelerate through a gas or semiconductor, colliding with atoms and knocking loose additional electrons, which then do the same.
This cascading multiplication of charge carriers happens in microseconds and can produce dramatic increases in electrical current.
The phenomenon underlies how Geiger counters detect radiation and how gas-discharge tubes conduct electricity.
The spark that jumps when you touch a doorknob involves a tiny electron avalanche.
Forceful contact between objects
- cascadeSuccessive downward flow
- multiplicationProduct-finding operation
- Townsend dischargeElectron cascade in gas
- secondary emissionParticles released by impact
Release of substance outward
- arcCurved line segment
- flashoverSudden total combustion event
- spark gapSpace for electrical discharge
- overvoltageExcess electrical pressure
short circuit · voltage spike · thermal runaway · streamer · leader · puncture
Rapid light variation
- particle detectorInstrument sensing subatomic entities
- countingDetermining quantity sequentially
- pulseArterial blood throb
- dead timeInactive gap in operations
Electrically charged atomic matter
- recombinationGenetic material exchange process
- deionizationRemoval of ionic content
- afterglowLingering light or feeling
- collective behaviorUnified group conduct patterns
collision
Forceful contact between objects
- cascadeSuccessive downward flow
- multiplicationProduct-finding operation
- Townsend dischargeElectron cascade in gas
discharge
Release of substance outward
overvoltage · short circuit · voltage spike · thermal runaway · streamer · leader · puncture
scintillation
Rapid light variation
- particle detectorInstrument sensing subatomic entities
- countingDetermining quantity sequentially
- pulseArterial blood throb
dead time · quenching · window · sensitivity
ionized gas
Electrically charged atomic matter
- recombinationGenetic material exchange process
- deionizationRemoval of ionic content
- afterglowLingering light or feeling
silicon
Metalloid in electronics
electric, electricity, avalanche, electronic, electrical, electrify, electron, electrifying, electrified