MONTE-CARLO INVESTIGATION OF ELECTRON-IMPACT IONIZATION IN LIQUID XENON

The electron-energy-distribution function, drift velocity, and ionization rate for electrons in liquid xenon have been calculated using a kinetic model for electron transport. The electron-scattering rates have been obtained with the Van Hove approach in which the liquid is characterized by the dynamic structure function S(q, omega). The threshold field for ionization E(t) (such that the ionization coefficient alpha not-equal 0 for E > E(t)) is found to be approximately 400 kV/cm. This value for E(t) as well as those for alpha are in good agreement with experiment. In particular, the minimum at high fields in the experimental alpha vs E curve is also present in the calculated results. These results serve to elucidate the kinetics of electron avalanches in liquids.