A review of spark discharge phenomena

Part I of the paper discusses the Townsend and Streamer theories on the mechanism of breakdown in gases, and their development to explain observed discharge phenomena. Certain deficiencies in both are indicated, and work now in progress is mentioned which may considerably expand the range of conditions to which Townsend´s theory is applicable. Special experimental techniques to record events during the extremely short development time of a spark are mentioned, including recent advances. In Part H, a review is given of some observed spark gap characteristics that have to be accounted for by any comprehensive theory. Much of this work has been carried out on gaps of a type suitable for high voltage measurement, and the uniform field gap id shown to merit consideration as a standardized method of measurement. Its stable characteristics make it very suitable for the more detailed investigation of certain effects that have only a small influence on the breakdown voltage, but which may, nevertheless, be of importance in developing qualitative and quantitative theories of breakdown. The nature and objects of some investigations at present in progress along these lines are indicated. The case of breakdown at high frequencies has recently been reviewed in this Journal, and the present paper does not, therefore, include a discussion of this particular case.