Vacuum flashover on diamond-like carbon-coated insulators

Thin coatings of diamond-like carbon (DLC) were applied to cylindrical alumina and high temperature polyimide insulator samples. The coated insulators and uncoated controls were tested for resistance to surface flashover in vacuum under a dc voltage gradient. The DLC-coated insulators had significantly higher flashover potential than the controls and showed no visible tracking on their surface, even after multiple discharges. DLC coatings, applied at temperatures <350/spl deg/C, show promise for improving the performance of HV vacuum feedthroughs, switches, and in other applications.