The time-dependent electric current from a flame II. Theoretical solutions controlled by ionic diffusion

Abstract

Solutions are presented in one, two and three dimensions for the time-dependent electric field and current in a flame ionization detector dominated by ionic diffusion. The solutions are expressed in terms of ‘flame polynomials’ similar to the ‘heat polynomials’ of the heat propagation or diffusion equation. The conditions needed to define the solution are given by a physical argument.