Ionization and excitation behavior in a microcavity

The excitation and ionization behavior of a 5 /spl mu/m cavity, subjected to an electric field of 270 kV/cm, has been examined. Data on the production of electrons, ions, dissociated molecules and excited species is presented and the associated charge transfer characteristics are considered. The implications of the ionization and excitation processes, as concerns their effect upon the degradation rate of solid insulation, are discussed.>