Pulsed breakdown characteristics of helium in partial vacuum in kHz range

This paper presents work on breakdown studies conducted in helium at partial vacuum conditions for a point-to-point electrode setup. A high frequency pulsed voltage signal is applied across the electrodes and the voltage-current characteristics are observed. The applied signal consists of a train of square pulses at frequencies of 50 kHz and 150 kHz with duty cycle varying from 10% to 50%. The rise/fall times of the pulses are less than 25 ns. These studies are conducted to understand and compare the role of pulse duration and the pulse repetition rate in electrical breakdown initiation at low pressure conditions. Data of voltage and current waveforms as a function of time, along with the light emission data collected by a PMT (Photo Multiplier Tube) are collected and breakdown voltage versus pressure, frequency and duty cycle are presented respectively.