Effect of an external electric field on the yield of free ions. I General results from the Onsager theory

Abstract

Onsager's equation for the effect of an external electric field on the probability of an isolated ion pair escaping neutralization in a dielectric medium has been rearranged for evaluation in a consistent way. The present treatment allows the escape probability to be written as a single series valid for arbitrary field strengths and initial separations. In a given case, procedure is outlined for calculating this probability in the most systematic manner. Although expansion of the escape probability in powers of the external field is not advisable at high field strengths because of the slowness of convergence, the field coefficients are provided for evaluation and comparison at relatively low fields. At high fields possibility of a temperature inversion effect is indicated; that is, the field‐dependent escape probability may actually decrease with temperature.