Magnetic inhibition of surface flashover of insulators in vacuum

Abstract

The possibility of preventing high-voltage surface flashover of insulators in vacuum by means of a strong magnetic field perpendicular to the electric field and parallel to the insulator surface is investigated theoretically. A simple model predicts that with the right choice of insulating material one can design diodes and transmission lines so that the magnetic field from the line current inhibits the secondary-electron-emission avalanche which is believed to play an important role in the flashover process.