Electrical breakdown of anodic aluminum oxide

Results are presented from a study of electrical breakdown of anodic aluminum oxide in a constant field with a platinum pressure electrode. Statistical breakdown parameters and their dependence on the magnitude and polarity of the applied voltage are obtained. Field and temperature dependences of breakdown delay time over the interval 10^–6–10³ sec are determined. It is shown that the experimental (E) curves can be rectified (in two segments) in the coordinates log E^–1. This indicates a possible contribution to the breakdown mechanism by both tunnel injection of electrons from the cathode and subsequent avalanche multiplication of electrons within the dielectric.Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 4, pp. 25–29, April, 1990.In conclusion, the authors thank T. V. Shmidt and E. Ya. Khanin for assistance in the study.