Influence of heat treatment in atmosphere on surface flashover characteristics of alumina in vacuum

Alumina Ceramics are widely used for vacuum insulation in devices such as vacuum interrupters. In development and design of vacuum interrupters, it is very important to improve the flashover characteristics on alumina ceramic surfaces in a vacuum. Thus, it is necessary to clarify the flashover mechanism on alumina ceramics in a vacuum. From past research, it is well-known that these characteristics are influenced by the insulation material, its surface condition, surface charging of the insulator and so on.⁽¹⁾ This paper presents the results of measurements of surface flashover characteristics and the cathode luminescence (C.L.) spectra after heat treatment in the atmosphere. These results are compared with those without heat treatment in the atmosphere. It is thus found that oxygen defects on an alumina ceramic surface decreases and the flashover voltage is improved by heat treatment in the atmosphere.