Millimeter wavelength radiation emission during dielectric aging

The current-voltage characteristic for a metal — thick insulator — metal structure has been investigated by applying high voltage impulses on a variety of industrial insulators. It appears that, in the high field regime (1MV/cm) S-type Negative Differential Conductance may occur, leading to self sustained conductivity oscillations possibly originating in field dependent carrier mobility. The phenomenon is associated with radiation emission during thermalization of hot electrons. Measurements have established the presence of millimeter wavelength radiation during prebreakdown and breakdown stages. The radiation emission intervals within a high-voltage pulse application and response have also been investigated.