Title :
Influence of contact surface conditions on discharge phenomena of vacuum reed switches
Author :
Hinohara, K. ; Kobayashi, T. ; Kawakita, C.
Author_Institution :
Oki Electr. Ind. Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
Abstract :
The relationship between contact surface conditions and discharge phenomena of vacuum reed switches is studied. Switches are examined before and after surface deactivation treatment. Breakdown voltage is increased by the surface deactivation treatment. Work function is also found to be enhanced by the treatment. Rhodium oxide film is produced on the contact surface through the surface deactivation treatment, increasing the work function. This enhancement of work function is thought to be important for obtaining high breakdown voltage between contacts.<>
Keywords :
Auger effect; electric breakdown; reed relays; rhodium; surface treatment; work function; 450 C; 475 C; Auger electron spectra; Rh contact; Rh/sub 2/O/sub 3/ film; breakdown voltage; contact surface conditions; discharge phenomena; surface deactivation treatment; vacuum reed switches; work function; Contacts; Electronics industry; Hermetic seals; Industrial electronics; Oxygen; Surface discharges; Surface treatment; Switches; Temperature; Vacuum breakdown;
Conference_Titel :
Electrical Contacts, 1992., Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth IEEE Holm Conference on
Conference_Location :
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-0576-0
DOI :
10.1109/HOLM.1992.246930
