Switching in polystyrene films: Transition from on to off state

Experiments on polystyrene films formed by a glow‐discharge technique shows a reproducible bistable switching. Various interpretations are briefly reviewed. It is shown that the resistance of the on state is strictly related to the energy needed by the on‐off transition. From the value of this energy it is concluded that the most probable explanation is that the on current takes place along a filamentary path constituted by carbon atoms. A quantitative analysis is made on the basis of the heat balance equation. Formation of carbonated chains is confirmed by a chromatography analysis in vapor phase which shows an hydrogen release.