Model for breakdown process in dielectric discharges

A heuristic model to explain the blowoff of charge during an electron-induced dielectric discharge is presented. It is proposed that blowoff of charge is initiated by a punchthrough or a flashover. The discharge time is assumed to be governed by an LC time constant where L is the inductance of the electrons flowing in the branches of the Lichtenberg figures at an electron range below the irradiated surface and C is the capacitance between the trapped electrons and the substrate for the discharged area. Experiments to verify that blowoff is a consequence of punchthrough or flashover and to measure the punchthrough current and the variation of discharge time with the sample area and thickness were conducted.