A fundamental limit on electric fields in air

2003/10/01 by J. R. Dwyer · 6 citations
Physics and Astronomy · Engineering · #Lightning and Electromagnetic Phenomena #Electrostatic Discharge in Electronics #Electromagnetic Compatibility and Noise Suppression

paper · doi:10.1029/2003gl017781

openalex publication_date 2003/10/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/11

Abstract

By modifying the avalanche mode of runaway breakdown to include positive feedback from gamma‐rays and positrons, it is found that enormous bursts of energetic radiation can be produced in strong electric fields in air, with peak fluxes up to one billion times greater than from conventional models. These bursts generate so many runaway electrons that the electric field is very rapidly discharged, resulting in a fundamental upper limit on the electric field strength achievable in air. This limit has important implications for the electrification of thunderstorms and the production of lightning.

Citations

• Monte Carlo simulation of runaway MeV electron breakdown with application to red sprites and terrestrial gamma ray flashes

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• Relativistic runaway electron avalanche [wikipedia]