Conductivity of polyethylene induced by pulsed UV light, fast electrons and X-rays

Current transients induced in low density polyethylene (LDPE) are studied. The mobility of holes has been found to be 2.7×10^-6 m² V^-1 s^-1 below the glassy transition point T_g of LDPE and 6.3×10^-6 m ² V^-1 s^-1 above it. Conductivity activation energy has been defined as 0.013 eV below T_g and 0.029 eV above it. Memory effect with anomalous reverse current flow was found in the sample coated with semitransparent Au electrodes for UV flash excitation. The occurrence of micro-discharges during thermally stimulated discharge current (TSDC) recording, in a previously electron beam treated sample is reported