Pulse Flashover of Solid Dielectrics in Vacuum

In an effort to understand the mechanisms which lead to changes in the surface flashover potential of insulators used in high power spark gaps a systematic study of the flashover potential of various organic insulators was undertaken. The flashover potential of these insulators was measured both before and after they had been exposed to the by-products of an arc from a surface discharge ignitor plug. These insulators were analyzed using Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) to determine what, if any, structural changes occurred on the surface of the insulator as a result of the flashover events and/or irradiation. A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was also used to investigate the tracks formed on the insulators as the result of a surface flashover.