From a technological perspective, it has traditionally proved very difficult to develop reliable procedures
for improving the performance of a vacuum gap. The reason for this is that our physical understanding of the
complex processes involved is far from complete, and so it has not been possible to provide the high voltage
design engineer with a fully informed protocol. Recently however, Professor Rod Latham has conducted an
in-depth review of the accumulated evidence, and with the benefit of his wide experience in the field
(two reference books and over 100 scientific papers written on the subject), he has come up with a range of
important new insights into the fundamental physical nature of the processes that are ultimately responsible for
the electrical breakdown of a vacuum gap. These insights are based on a critical reevaluation of existing theoretical
models, and provide informed technological guidance on the design, manufacture, conditioning and operational
procedures for optimising the performance of vacuum electronic devices of various complexions; i.e. those employing
insulating gaps that are "open" and "bridged", "large" and "small", or "active" and "passive". More generally, this
new perspective of the generic vacuum gap provides a physical basis for evaluating the potential effectiveness of
such common technological practices as gas conditioning, thermal cycling, together with the many surface engineering
procedures that are currently available.
To benefit from the technological implications of these new insights, you are invited to consult with Professor
Rod Latham, through HVVI Diagnostics Ltd.
