A System for Measurements on Radio Frequency Discharges in the Frequency Range of 20 TO 80 Mhz

摘要

A system for measuring the basic electrical properties of radio frequency gas discharges is described. The system provides the capability for investigating discharges in air at atmospheric pressure in the frequency range of 20 to 80 MHz. The discharges are maintained between liquid cooled copper electrodes. Waveforms of the instantaneous voltage across the discharge and the instantaneous current through the discharge are displayed on the screen of a sampling oscilloscope. The performance of the system is analysed with respect to error and frequency response. The upper cut off frequency for the system is 500 MHz. Oscillograms of discharge waveforms obtained with the equipment described are presented. These oscillograms are compared with similar measurements made previously at frequencies from 5 to 25 MHz. It is concluded from this comparison that there is no significant change in the behavior of rf glow discharges in the frequency range of 1 to 80 MHz. (Author)