Electron Multiplication Processes in High-Voltage Electrical Discharge in Vacuum

Abstract

The efficiency of a class of electron-multiplication processes previously considered to be possible initiators of high-voltage vacuum arcs has been studied as a function of applied voltage in the voltage range below about one hundred fifty kilovolts. This efficiency is found to be typically less than one part in ten thousand, in contrast to the unity or greater required for arc initiation by such processes. The variation of the efficiency with field is noted. The conclusion is drawn that this class of processes apparently plays no significant role in arc initiation, and the remaining possibilities are briefly discussed.