Research Methodology of Prebreakdown Phenomena at the Cathode of a Vacuum Gap

A method for stabilizing the prebreakdown state of vacuum gaps, based on the use of an anode made of a material with high specific resistance, has been proposed and implemented on an experimental stand. Traces of prebreakdown phenomena on the surface of cathodes, which usually lead to a vacuum spark and self-destruction, were identified and a preliminary study was conducted. This technique will allow for further expanding the understanding of the nature of vacuum breakdown and electroplastic phenomena in critically strong electric fields with a strength of over 1 MV/cm. It is proposed to use prebreakdown electrostatic treatment of the surface of metals and semiconductors to study the possibility of obtaining effective cold electron emitters.