Tracking Resistance Of Various Materials In Vacuum

Abstract

Many vacuum instruments used in industry and scientific research apply high voltage components. Vacuum performs as an insulator with theoretically infinite breakdown voltage. Surface of dielectrics between two electrodes inside a vacuum chamber is the weakest link for a possible electrical breakdown (tracking). This paper focuses on examination of a vacuum pressure influence to the surface breakdown voltage of a various materials. Results were compared and led to determination of an appropriate materials for a design of internal connectors in electron microscopes produced by the company Thermo Fisher Scientific.