Analysis of the discharge modes of atmosphere dielectric barrier discharges of helium, argon and nitrogen

Summary form only given, as follows. A dielectric barrier discharge scheme is achieved to perform different discharge modes in different gases with a sinuous power source. The source can provide a peak-peak voltage variable in range of 10-28 kV with a fix frequency of 1.2 kHz. Different discharge modes are identified in atmosphere helium, argon and nitrogen discharges by CCD photographer and ampere-voltage waveform analysis. A stable glow mode can be maintained in helium discharge if the electrode gap was larger than 10 mm. However, a single filament mode can be obtained in argon discharge when the electrode gap is larger than 6.0 mm and stochastic filament channels always occurs in nitrogen when the electrode gap is smaller than 4.0 mm. The analysis and discussion of the mechanisms for the formation of the different discharge modes provide the conclusion that a suitable electrode gap, slight oversupply and high effective ionization coefficient are favorable for the formation and stabilization of atmospheric pressure glow discharge.