Space charge dynamics in electron beam-irradiated PMMA

Abstract

In this study, space charge was introduced into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) samples by electron beam. The effect of the electron beam on the conductivity and the permittivity of the PMMA sample were investigated, and the breakdown mechanism of the samples during charge detrapping was also studied. The experimental results clearly show that not only space charge injection but also space charge detrapping can lead to the breakdown of the samples. The dynamics of injected charges in the radiated PMMA samples and the mechanism of the breakdown resulting from the rapid discharge are discussed.