Surface characteristics and electrical breakdown of alumina materials

The electrical breakdown of alumina materials is one of the difficulties in higher electric field applications. This breakdown takes place due to localized excess heating, which is induced by surface defects, multipactor, and surface discharge. These factors were evaluated for several commercial alumina ceramics using a scanning electron microscope and comparing these observations with high-power rf transmission tests. The results indicate that alumina ceramics without F-center defects and lower surface charging are feasible for higher electric field operation.