Electroluminescence - an optical technique to determine the early stages of polymer degradation under high electric stresses

摘要

An experimental setup to detect electroluminescence (EL) in polymeric dielectric subjected to high electric stresses is described. The technique, which is at least three orders of magnitude more sensitive than conventional partial discharge detection systems, shows that the spectra of EL are in the visible and ultraviolet ranges and could cause polymer degradation [1].