Electricity in a Vacuum: Investigating 1e9 Voltage

AI Thread Summary
Applying a voltage of 1e9 across two electrodes 1 cm apart creates an electric field strength of 1e11 V/m, which is difficult to sustain without significant effort. Previous experiences indicate that exceeding 1e7 V/m can lead to arcing from the electron source, even in ultrahigh vacuum conditions. The discussion raises the possibility of vacuum breakdown, which typically requires residual gases rather than a true vacuum. Clarification is sought on the conditions necessary for vacuum breakdown, highlighting the complexity of the topic. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the challenges and phenomena associated with high-voltage applications in a vacuum environment.
jaiii
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Good day.

What happens if a vacuum to put two electrodes, 1 cm apart, and electrical voltage in 1e9?

Thank you.
 
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Then your electric field strength is 1e9/1e-2 = 1e11 V/m. You probably cannot sustain this field strength without heroic efforts.

I have done a lot of work about 1e7 V/m ... if increased much beyond that my electron source arcs. This is not much better than dry air, even though it is in an ultrahigh vacuum (10^-9 torr).

This paper discusses many of the issues (1978):
http://cartan.e-moka.net/content/download/409/2311/file/ptv.pdf

But perhaps you mean "will it break the vacuum"? Such as this laser system may one day attempt:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8857154/Worlds-most-powerful-laser-to-tear-apart-the-vacuum-of-space.html
 
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All right.

But it may happen that the vacuum breaks.
And the gap will be trips charged particles?
 
jaiii said:
But it may happen that the vacuum breaks.
And the gap will be trips charged particles?

Say again, please?
 
I don't understand.
 
jaiii said:
I don't understand.

What you wrote here makes no sense. It is difficult to figure what you are asking:

jaiii said:
But it may happen that the vacuum breaks.
And the gap will be trips charged particles?

English may not be your first language. However, this means that you need to write down a bit more explanation for the rest of us to understand what you are saying. So far, in your first three posts here, you have written quite a bit LESS than the one single post UltrafastPED made in Msg. #2.

Zz.
 
Fain.

One can break through vacuum, and what conditions must be fulfilled in doing?
 
jaiii said:
Fain.

What?

One can break through vacuum, and what conditions must be fulfilled in doing?

Please note that while it is often referred to as "vacuum breakdown", we are not really causing something similar to a dielectric breakdown in vacuum. From what we know now, the mechanism still requires the presence of residual gasses in the "vacuum".

Read this thread:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=744778

Zz.
 
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