Liquid helium breakdown in terms of temperature and electrode roughness
J. Gerhold · 2002
DC-breakdown in near-saturated liquid helium is impeded by an effective barrier against bubble extension. The field strength needed for runaway up to a self-sustaining discharge has been calculated using an antibubble barrier model for various electrode surface roughness as in the temperature range 2.5-4.5 K. Cathode surface roughness has a dominant influence. A significant loss of stability has been found at very low temperatures, which makes surface asperities much more impairing.