THE NATURE OF QUASI-STATIONARY STATE IN ELECTRON-BEAM CHARGING OF POLYMERS

Aspects of establishing a quasi-stationary state during polymer chargi ng with fast electrons (40-60 keV) of a maximum range l that is only s lightly less (< 6 mu m) than a sample thickness are considered. It was shown that the experimentally observed high current densities measure d at the back electrode and proportional to the fast-electron injectio n current are incompatible with the conventional mechanism of conducti on of the blocking layer. A new interpretation of this phenomenon land some related effects) in terms of induction of electron autoemission in the sites of local enhancement of an electric field at the head of a short track of electrons in the plane x = l followed by propagation of primary channels (streamers) through the full depth of the blocking layer; however, this penetration does not cause breakdown in the samp le.