Inhibition in the propagation of fast electrons in plastic foams by resistive electric fields

The propagation of relativistic electrons in foam and solid density targets has been studied by means of K-α spectroscopy. Experimental results point out the role of self-generated electric fields in propagation and the role of heating of matter induced by the passage of fast electrons. A simple analytical formulation has been given and Spitzer conductivity has been shown to be fairly compatible with experimental results.