Fundamental Theory of Townsend Discharge

The basic theory of Townsend discharge and Paschen's law and its influencing factors are elaborated upon in this chapter. The development of the electron avalanche and the conditions of self-sustaining discharge are also analyzed, and special emphasis is placed on two kinds of methods of the Townsend discharge experiment: the steady-state Townsend method (SST) and the pulse Townsend method (PT).