On the Criterion for Dielectric Breakdown in Ionic Crystals

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Abstract
Previous theories on the criterion for electronic breakdown in ionic crystals are reviewed, in particular those of Fr�hlich and Heller. It is shown that the ideas proposed by Heller are based on insufficient examination of the physical picture of breakdown, and the validity of Fr�hlich's criterion is vindicated so long as electron-lattice collisions determine the distribution function. However, for the relatively high densities of conduction electrons existing just before breakdown the effect of electron-electron collisions may well be more important than the effect of electron-lattice collisions in determining the distribution function.

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