Electromagnetic radiation field of an electron avalanche

Electron avalanches are the main constituent of electrical discharges in the atmosphere. However, the electromagnetic radiation field generated by a single electron avalanche growing in different field configurations has not yet been evaluated in the literature. In this paper, the electromagnetic radiation fields created by electron avalanches were evaluated for electric fields in pointed, co-axial and spherical geometries. The results show that the radiation field has a duration of approximately 1–2 ns, with a rise time in the range of 0.25 ns. The wave-shape takes the form of an initial peak followed by an overshoot in the opposite direction. The electromagnetic spectrum generated by the avalanches has a peak around 109 Hz.

► All electrical discharges in nature are initiated by electron avalanches.
► This study characterizes the electromagnetic radiation of electron avalanches.
► The rise time of the radiation field lies around 0.25 ns.
► The duration of the radiation field is about 1–2 ns.
► Electron avalanches radiate mainly around 1 GHz.