Measurement of the high-voltage breakdown channel propagation velocity in crystalline and amorphous quartz on a subnanosecond time scale

The formation time of a breakdown channel in 0.5- to 1.6-mm-thick crystalline and amorphous quartz samples is measured at a pulse voltage of 240 kV, and the effective velocity and direction of breakdown front propagation are determined. In the crystal, the velocity is more than 2.5 times higher than...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Technical physics 2009, Vol.54 (1), p.138-141
Main Authors: Emlin, R. V., Gilev, A. S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Classical and Continuum Physics
Experimental Instruments and Technique
Physics
Physics and Astronomy
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Summary:The formation time of a breakdown channel in 0.5- to 1.6-mm-thick crystalline and amorphous quartz samples is measured at a pulse voltage of 240 kV, and the effective velocity and direction of breakdown front propagation are determined. In the crystal, the velocity is more than 2.5 times higher than in amorphous SiO 2 . This may be associated with a higher mobility of free carriers and, consequently, with a quicker motion of the avalanche breakdown front owing to a higher effective velocity of nonequilibrium carriers responsible for the high-energy tail of the distribution function.
ISSN:1063-7842
1090-6525
DOI:10.1134/S1063784209010216