The Glow to Arc Transition - A Critical Review

Only recently has a well-substantiated model of the low-pressure glow to arc transition become available as a result of a series of highly controlled experiments performed during the period 1958 to 1966. This model cites insulating particles at the cathode surface as responsible, due to their charging and subsequent breakdown which produce an initial burst of vapor. This paper consists of a review and critical evaluation of these experiments and an elucidation of the model.