Two-Dimensional Spatially Resolved Cross-Correlational Spectroscopy of the Microdischarge Development in Barrier Discharges in Air

The technique of cross-correlation spectroscopy enables the spatio-temporally, spectrally and phase-resolved measurement of light intensity of statistically occurring microdischarges (MDs) of filamentary barrier discharges in synthetic air at atmospheric pressure. The results visualize the development of a single MD, consisting of the Townsend prephase, the cathode-directed ionization wave, anode glow, and outward-propagating discharges on the dielectric surfaces. These results contribute to a much deeper understanding of the breakdown mechanism.