Monte Carlo studies of hot electron transport and high field degradation

The problem of hot electron transport and energy loss at high electric fields in insulators is of considerable interest in the context of dielectric breakdown and hot carrier induced degradation. Hot electron transport is discussed in terms of electron-phonon scattering in polymeric dielectrics. Monte Carlo (MC) simulation provides the basis for study of hot electron transport in thin polyethylene (PE) films. Electron trajectories and spatial evolution of the electron energy distribution are presented. Possible molecular degradation mechanisms are discussed.