Application of a magnetic field to analyse the prebreakdown current in vacuum insulation

A method for the initial analysis of the prebreakdown current characteristics in an insulating vacuum is proposed. The method utilizes the external transverse magnetic field. It is based on the calculation of the critical flux density at which the flow of prebreakdown emission current is eliminated. The relationship between prebreakdown current and the flux density has been experimentally determined. It has been shown that in a vacuum the prebreakdown current can contain a considerable amount of nonemission current.<
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