UV influences on discharge characteristics of polymer foils

Experimental results are presented concerning the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polystyrene foils. Discharge characteristics are shown to be very sensitive to UV irradiation, and changes seem to be characteristic for the material of the sample. Changes in mu /sub i/ and mu /sub T/ can vary and depend on the kind of polymer. Different changes are produced by different interactions of UV with the near-surface regions and with the bulk. Measurements were also made on polyvinyl chloride, but the results are not included.