INCREASING THE ELECTRIC STRENGTH OF VACUUM INSULATION BY IRRADIATING THE ELECTRODES WITH A LOW-ENERGY HIGH-CURRENT ELECTRON-BEAM

The paper describes how irradiation of the electrode surface with a LE HCEB (low-energy high-current electron beam) affects the prebreakdown current and the electric strength of vacuum insulation. This study is an extension of a study described earlier [1]. Experiments have been p erformed for 0.1 mm vacuum gaps formed by refractory metal electrodes and for millimeter vacuum gaps with a pulsed voltage of amplitude 250 kV and duration 30 to 100 ns, both in a high oil-free vacuum and in te chnical-grade oil vacuum. Based on the results obtained, it is stated that the LEHCEB irradiation of electrode surfaces is a promising techn ique for increasing the electric strength of vacuum insulation over a wide range of voltages and under varied vacuum conditions.