On the Observation of Transient Space-Charge-Limited Currents in Insulators

Abstract

The conditions for the observation of space‐charge‐limited (SCL) transient current pulses in insulators are examined. A parameter α=2t_r/τ (t_r=space‐charge‐free transit time and τ=response time of the circuit) is defined, whose value determines the extent to which the pulses are distorted from their ideal shape. For α>100, the pulses are undistorted. For 20<αany insulator may be investigated by transient SCL current measurements provided that trapping is not too severe and that ohmic contact formation (either transient or steady‐state) is possible.