Here is something that may be relevant to Stan Meyer type claims.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electron_avalanche
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalanche_breakdown
Here's a productive discussion on the topic.
http://www.dutchforce.com/~eforum/index.php?s=e639782b4e3573a8dec0d6d2fdb77517&showtopic=18986