Negative Electrolytic Breakdown in Proton Bombarded LiF Crystal

Abstract

The dielectric breakdown under proton bombardment of LiF was studied. Negative electrolytic breakdown figure was observed which was similar to that obtained by the conventional point-to-plate discharge. It is suggested that the breakdown is due to the potential difference between the range plane of the bombarding protons and the earthing point on the opposite surface. The breakdown figure consists of random and ⟨100⟩ paths with layers of precipitated Li metal.