Free ion yield observed in liquid isooctane irradiated by gamma rays. Comparison with the Onsager theory.

We have analysed data on the free ion yield observed in liquid isooctane irradiated by 60Co gamma rays within the framework of the Onsager theory about initial recombination. Several distribution functions describing the electron thermalization distance have been used and compared with the experimental results: a delta function, a Gaussian-type function and an exponential function. A linear dependence between the free ion yield and the external electric field has been found at low-electric-field values (E < or = 1.2 x 10(3) V mm(-1)) in excellent agreement with the Onsager theory. At higher electric field values, we obtain a solution in power series of the external field using the Onsager theory.