Explosive Processes on the Cathode in a Vacuum Discharge

Investigations concerning nanosecond processes in vacuum discharges are described. The role of explosive processes at the cathode has been established. Experimental results concerning breakdown voltage, discharge current temporal behavior, delay time, spark-to-arc transition time, X-ray radiation, and electrode erosion are reported. The general characteristics of the fast breakdown process are discussed together with cathode explosions, emission, and erosion.