Mode transition in microsecond-pulse gliding discharges at atmospheric pressure

摘要

In an inhomogeneous electric field, there are several kinds of discharge modes existing in microsecond-pulse gliding discharges. In this paper, we investigate mode transition among different discharge modes and the effects of pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and gap distance on microsecond-pulse gliding discharge by measuring the voltage-current waveforms and discharge images. Experimental results showed that a diffuse discharge was obtained in atmospheric pressure in microsecond-pulse gliding discharge. When the applied voltage was 18.5 kV, diffuse-to-spark transition occurred when the PRF increased from 500 Hz to 2000 Hz. Furthermore, the diffuse discharge might appear when the electrode gap exceeded 5 mm. When the applied voltage was 12 kV, decreasing the gap spacing leaded to diffuse-to-spark transition. Therefore, both PRF and gap distance affect the discharge mode in microsecond-pulse gliding discharges. Diffuse-to-spark transition occurs when the PRF increases or the gap spacing decreases. It could provide reference for obtaining volume discharge at atmospheric pressure.