Role of electron clusters—Ectons—in the breakdown of solid dielectrics

A new approach is proposed for the description of early breakdown phenomena in solid dielectrics based on the appearance and action of the ectons—electron clusters in the contact point metal–solid dielectric–insulating liquid. An ecton is a result of the electric microexplosion of the electrode inhomogeneity at the triple point by the prebreakdown current described as the displacement current in a dynamic plasma-to-ground capacitor. Ecton appearance becomes possible due to the existence of partial flashover with plasma formation in these points. An ecton is a high-power source of charged particles and pulsed pressure. Injection of the charged particles into a solid dielectric and its local mechanical destruction by the pressure pulses result finally in the breakdown of the solid dielectric.