Pulsed dielectric barrier discharges-a breakthrough in UV radiation generation

Summary form only given. The aim of the given contribution is to discuss the main features of pulsed dielectric barrier discharges. For this reason the investigations will be concentrated on discharges in Xe. Combining different diagnostic techniques including framing camera depositions with discharge modeling, it will be tried to answer the question what the remarkable increase of the discharge efficiencies causes. Therefore, an analysis will be presented which illuminates the energy distribution over different reaction channels. Following this concept, the population kinetics of the Xe/sub 2/* excimer states will become transparent. The latter governs the desired radiation production and allows to calculate discharge efficiencies. Furthermore, a comparison of measured and calculated discharge pattern will be given.