The development of dielectric barrier discharges in gas gaps and on surfaces

Abstract

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) occur in configurations which are characterized by a dielectric layer between conducting electrodes. Two basic configurations can be distinguished: a volume discharge (VD) arrangement with a gas gap; and a surface discharge (SD) arrangement with surface electrode(s) on a dielectric layer and an extensive counter electrode on its reverse side. At atmospheric pressure the DBD consists of numerous microdischarges (VD) and discharge steps (SD), respectively, their number being proportional to the amplitude of the voltage. These events have a short duration in the range of some 10 ns transferring a certain amount of charge within the discharge region. The total transferred charge determines the current and hence the volt-ampere characteristic of each arrangement. The microdischarges (discharge steps) have a complicated spatial structure. The discharge patterns on the dielectric surface depend on the polarity and amplitude of the applied voltage as well as on the specific capacity of the dielectric. Experimental findings on DBDs in air and oxygen are presented and discussed.