Production of Large Electric Fields in Dielectrics by Electron Injection

Abstract

Targets of Lucite and polystyrene were irradiated by a 1.5-MeV electron beam until breakdown occurred. Framing camera films of these events show a steadily decreasing thickness of the fluorescing region until breakdown, at which time the thickness returns to its original value. This is interpreted as a decrease in electron range with charge buildup, with electric field strengths in excess of 6.3 MV/cm inferred for one of the cases (Lucite) studied.