The application of time delay method for analysis of processes which initiate electrical breakdown in 1.3 mbar nitrogen

The contributions of ions and neutral active states to secondary electron emission in the afterglow has been analyzed of the time delay method. The dependencies of mean value of time delay on relaxation time, overvoltage, and glow current have been discussed. The analysis of validity of Laue distribution for time delay has been performed, becoming the criterion for estimation of the main cause of breakdown. Thus, afterglow can be divided in three regions: one each for the role of charged and neutral species in initiation of subsequent breakdown, and third, as the transitional one.