The role of an electrode in the formation of new phase nuclei in dielectrics

Contrary to some theoretical considerations, we show that electric field favours the formation of both vapour bubble in superheated liquid and liquid drop in supersaturated gas. In the latter case the field must exceed some threshold value. The work required for nucleus formation decreases significantly near the electrode. The conclusions are based on the expression for this work that we use in our analysis in the presence of electric field, and are in agreement with experimental observations. (author)