Contributions of krypton ions and krypton metastables, as well as
contributions of gamma-radiation and cosmic rays to the electrical breakdown
in a krypton-filled tube have been analysed by use of the time delay method.
The experimental results have shown that each of these contributions strictly
depends on the afterglow period. The time delay method has enabled the
determination of both the recombination time of positive ions and the lifetime
of metastables, created in previous discharge. The obtained value of
metastable lifetime is in agreement with its theoretical value. The dependence
of the electrical breakdown on exposed dose rate of gamma-rays from the
radiation source has also been investigated.