Empirical analysis of picosecond breakdown in sulfur hexafluoride

Using state of the art equipment and multiple simultaneous data acquisition systems, breakdown in sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is examined in high resolution. Recorded risetimes can be as fast as 50 ps. Influential parameters of breakdown are identified, recorded, and categorized. Methods for removing the impact of the measurement system are implemented in efforts to distinguish the physical phenomenon from influential external factors. Observed waveforms and breakdown characteristics are categorized into three types. Each type is particular to a specific parameter range – i.e. electric field E/p or the product of pressure and distance pd.