On the spark to pseudoglow and glow transition mechanism and discharge detectability (Discussion, with reply by R. Bartnikas and J.P. Novak)

The discusser raises questions regarding the above-titled paper by R. Bartnikas and J.P. Novak (ibid., vol.27, p.3-14, 1992) as to how the authors would relate their term `spark´ to `streamer´ and `Townsend discharges´. The discusser also questions the authors´ claim that at voltages slightly above the discharge inception point, pseudoglow discharges appear, which, with further increase of the voltage, transform into glow discharges and these in turn, with an even further voltage increase, transform into spark discharges, and cites experimental work that counters this claim. The authors agree with the discusser on the need for clarification and standardization of terminology. They contest the discusser´s point regarding pseudoglow discharges and provide further discussion in support of their claim