Journal of Physics D Applied Physics · 1968 · 15 citations · 3 references
Natural SciencesElectrical EngineeringPhysicsCondensed Matter PhysicsElectronic MaterialsHeat TransferCurrent-voltage CharacteristicsDielectricsElectrical ConductivityInsulation SystemsSuperconducting MaterialsThermal InsulationBreakdown VoltageElectrode Effects On BreakdownHigh-temperature SuperconductivityHigh-temperature SuperconductorsHigh-voltage BreakdownSuperconducting GapSuperconducting PropertiesVacuum Insulation
When the niobium electrodes of a vacuum gap were cooled from room temperature to 4·2°K the pre-breakdown current was greatly reduced and the breakdown voltage significantly increased. No change in current or voltage was detected at the onset of superconductivity. These phenomena are discussed in relation to the physical mechanisms and to a technical application.
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