Electrical breakdown time delay in nitrogen filled tube with small inter electrode gap

The processes which are responsible for breakdown initiation in nitrogen-filled tube at 6.6×102Pa (6.6 mbar) and inter electrode gap 0.1 mm have been investigated. These processes have been monitored based on experimental data of electrical breakdown time delay tdas a function of relaxation time τ . It was shown that, for τ4S) nitrogen atoms in ground state initiate breakdown. For τ>150 s breakdown is initiated by cosmic rays. Also, it was shown that the increase in applied voltage and glow current, as well as presence of external radiation, lead to the decrease of tdvalue.