Malter effect

The Malter effect is named after Louis Malter, who first described the effect. Following exposure to ionizing radiation (e.g., electrons, ions, X-rays, extreme ultraviolet, vacuum ultraviolet), secondary electron emission from the surface of a thin insulating layer results in the establishment of a positive charge on the surface. This positive charge produces a high electric field in the insulator, resulting in the emission of electrons through the surface. This tends to pull more electrons from further beneath the surface. Eventually the sample replenishes the lost electrons, by picking up the collected secondary electrons through the ground loop.^[1][2]

References

1. ↑ Peter W. Hawkes (1992). Advances in electronics and electron physics. Academic Press. pp. 34–. ISBN 978-0-12-014725-0. Retrieved 10 March 2012. 
2. ↑ American Institute of Electrical Engineers; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (July 1980). Radio engineering and electronic physics. American Institute of Electrical Engineers. Retrieved 10 March 2012. 

Bibliography

• L. Malter, Phys. Rev. 50, 48 - 58 (1936)