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The characteristics of a spark chamber containing a neon-alcohol mixture are described with particular reference to the variation of efficiency with the parameters of the pulse and the determination of the spark formation time. An interpretation of the characteristics is made on the basis of a model for spark formation and the validity of the mechanism is examined by an internal comparison of the data.The results are used to derive the electron drift velocity as a function of field over the range of € / p from 0.05 to 4 v cm-'(mmHg)-' and to determine the probability of a single electron initiating a spark.Measurements are also reported on the geometrical properties of the sparks and conditions are studied both for minimizing the angle between the direction of a particle trajectory and the ensuing spark, and for reducing the error in location of the trajectory.

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