But they could cause a proton to decay — a very big deal, if it turns out to be correct, since proton decay isn't allowed under the current Standard Model of particle physics.

This generates a transient current that will gradually decay to a steady value, which is the leakage current of the system for that particular path.

A new method is presented for measurement of internal pressure of vacuum interrupters, having no use of magnetic fields but using decay velocity of emission current.