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Reports results of an experimental investigation of the influence of gas desorption from electrodes on electrical breakdown in high vacuum (P=10-9 Torr). The gas composition was studied by a quadrupole mass-filter. Thermo-desorption of hydrogen from the anode was the dominant effect. A close correlation between gas evolution from the anode and changes in the slopes of Fowler-Nordheim plots for prebreakdown currents was established. Pressure bursts due to gas released from the anode at breakdown were observed.

A review of mechanism of the initiation of vacuum breakdown in presented and role of anode surface contaminations in enhancement of prebreakdo-c m n t a and initiation of breakdown is emphasized. The experimental invwtigntion of vacuum breakdown and prebreelrdown phenomena is deacribed. Experiments presented herein show the deaorption of anode cantaminationa under electron bombardment to be an eeeential factor of stimulation of electrical breakdowns. Possible influence of deeorbed gases on prebrerkdown state of electrodes is analyaed.

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