Application of research in field emitter arrays to the breakdown of contacts in vacuum

Field emitter arrays (FEA´s) consist of micrometer-sized sites on a surface in vacuum designed to drive the field emission of electrons. Large arrays of these devices are envisioned for applications in video displays and x-ray generation. Research in this area is relevant for studies in field emission and breakdown on contacts in vacuum and vacuum interrupters, particularly for the application of vacuum interrupters to high-voltage (HV) electrical systems. The detailed knowledge of the actual surface structure and conditions in FEA´s can exceed what is feasible for macroscopic contacts, giving the opportunity for more detailed comparison of field emission/breakdown theories to experiments. The first part of this work examines the applicability of FEA research to macroscopic contacts in vacuum. The second part compares the field enhancement factor, emission area, non-uniformity of emission sites, and influence of particles between these two arrangements.