In search of a relation between streamers and partial discharges in condensed matter

The question is considered as to what relation, if any, exists between streamer growth and partial discharges in condensed matter. An attempt is made to answer this question by proposing that the streamer growth, regulated by the local field, leads to the development of partial discharges. It is suggested that the pressure within the streamer decreases below the Paschen limit. The low density region within the streamer is subject to local breakdown, which has been commonly referred to as partial discharge. The structure of the envelope surrounding this low-density region is analyzed to gain a better understanding of the observed light emission and reflection. The merits of this interpretation are discussed in the light of available experimental results.<>