Measurements of space-charge distribution up to electrical breakdown field in LDPE film

The space-charge distributions in 40 /spl mu/m thick low density polyethylene (LDPE) films up to the electrical breakdown field were measured by using the high-resolution pulsed electro-acoustic method. We also measured the pressure wave generated at electrical breakdown (breakdown pressure wave) which is considered to have information about the electrical breakdown initiation point along the thickness. Finally we discussed electrical breakdown phenomena from the measured space-charge behavior up to electrical breakdown and the breakdown pressure wave.