Self-trapping of electrons in liquid nitrogen

The possibility of electron self-trapping in liquid and gaseous N ₂ is examined. Using a simple model, the conduction band energy V₀ of an excess electron in liquid N₂ is estimated. Then, the stability of electron bubbles in liquid N₂ is considered. It is found that electrons are localized near the triple point. When approaching the critical point, the probability of the localization decreases sharply and rapidly becomes very small in the gaseous phase. This tendency agrees well with the observed sharp change in the electron mobility in liquid N₂ at the saturation line