On the Nature of Copper Cathode Erosion in Negative Corona Discharge

Erosion of the copper cathode in Trichel-pulse negative corona discharge was investigated in the atmospheric pressure air in point-to-plane electrode configuration. Nanometer-size craters were found on the cathode surface as a result of discharge treatment. Therefore, the current density on the cathode surface was estimated to be around 10⁸ A/cm². The value of the integral of specific current action of Trichel pulse argues in favor of electroexplosive mechanism of cathode erosion in Trichel-pulse negative corona.