Insulator surface conduction

This paper reviews the existing literature relating to the nature of surface conduction on solid dielectrics. Literature on the variations in conductance caused by changes in the ambient humidity, temperature and pressure; different dielectric materials and surfaces; surface contamination and the nature and magnitude of an applied voltage gradient, are also reviewed. The scope of the paper is limited to a consideration of conduction through films adsorbed on solid dielectrics in the form of plates or cylinders.