Dielectric breakdown and ionization currents in solid argon

During the past few years there has been a considerable number of theoretical and experimental studies of the physical properties of the solidified gases such as helium, neon, argon, oxygen, and nitrogen. This is because the relatively simple structure of these solids provides an opportunity for constructing theoretical models, and evaluating these models experimentally in a system relatively free of complex phenomena. However, the electrical properties have so far received little attention. From a fundamental viewpoint it might be expected that these solids should behave as prototype solids as far as dielectric phenomena are concerned, and an investigation of their electrical properties could yield information on the mechanisms of breakdown and charge transport in solids in general.