Investigation of Enhanced Electron Current Transport in a Dielectric-Lined Cavity

This investigation examined possible mechanisms for the release of a plasma from dielectric surfaces irradiated by an electron beam in evacuated cavities. Characteristics of the current transported through the cavity were correlated with variations in dielectric properties and electric fields at the dielectric surface. Computer simulations identified possible plasma release mechanisms which could provide transported current characteristics. Results indicate that a plasma may be released by a surface discharge with a threshold level as low as 1.5 MV/m in a gas layer released by impacting electrons.