New data of the electronic properties of liquid helium and liquid neon are discussed with respect to their relevance for the initiation of electric breakdown. It is concluded that under ideal conditions the cathode plays a decisive role in the initiation of the breakdown process. It is speculated that a Townsend type breakdown mechanism is absent in the liquid phase of these elements.
Published in:
Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, IEEE Transactions on
(Volume:10
,
Issue:
6
)
Date of Publication: Dec. 2003