Domain mechanism of electrical pulse breakdown

By means of electron-optical and electrotechnical methods of diagnostics an electrical pulse breakdown was investigated at the dielectric surface. It was found out experimentally that at the initial breakdown stage in the field of an active electrode a domain with a strong electrical field. Its birth is accompanied by generation of microwave radiation and a flow of fast particles in direction perpendicular to that of electrical field intensity in an interelecrode space. Domain appearance is caused by difference in electron and ion mobility at the high voltage supply to electrodes. Fast electron energy is ten-fold higher than a value pertinent to voltage applied (8.3 kV). As a result of fast electron energy dissipation a luminous field of an excessive negative charge - a ball lightning kernel appears in a near electrode field. Due to an intensive field between a kernel and the ambient air there appears a field of an excessive positive charge - an external ring layer practically simultaneously. The data obtained allow to explain generation of abnormal structures type ball lightning and ¿red devil¿ generated during electrical discharges in the atmosphere. In the major part of pulse duration there were also discovered spokes and hot points.