Studies on the self- and laser-initiated discharge characteristics at dielectric/gas interfaces

Two main issues are discussed: (i) the study of arc initiation and propagation in a compressed nitrogen gas spark-gap, initiated by a low-energy (90 mu J) pulsed N/sub 2/ laser (600 ps FWHM) and (ii) the modification of the discharge characteristics due to the presence of a solid insulating space ma...

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Published inIEEE transactions on plasma science Vol. 17; no. 4; pp. 588 - 594
Main Authors Foo, K.S., Sudarshan, T.S.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published New York, NY IEEE 01.08.1989
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Subjects
Delay
Electric discharges
Exact sciences and technology
Gas insulation
Gas lasers
Nitrogen
Optical propagation
Optical pulses
Physics
Physics of gases, plasmas and electric discharges
Physics of plasmas and electric discharges
Pulse compression methods
Solid lasers
Spark gaps
Surface discharges
Dielectric materials
Laser beam
Compressed gas
Plexiglas
Nitrogen
Experimental study
Discharge breakdown
Electric discharge
Electrical characteristic
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Summary:Two main issues are discussed: (i) the study of arc initiation and propagation in a compressed nitrogen gas spark-gap, initiated by a low-energy (90 mu J) pulsed N/sub 2/ laser (600 ps FWHM) and (ii) the modification of the discharge characteristics due to the presence of a solid insulating space made of Plexiglas (PMMA). The studies are carried out over a pressure range of 0.1 to 0.4 MPa, and for space diameters of 1, 4 and 6 cm, in a planar uniform field gap with 1-cm spacing. Coordinated measurements of discharge current and luminosity with nanosecond response times provide data on discharge current and luminosity risetimes, delay times to the onset of discharge from the instant of laser initiation, and the threshold (minimum) voltage for the onset of discharge due to laser initiation. The results point to some basic processes involving the interaction of the insular surface with : (a) the electron avalanches in the formative stage, and (b) the streamer in the discharge growth phase leading to full conduction. The results demonstrate that the insulator surface impedes the development of both the avalanche and streamer phases of the discharge development.< >
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
ObjectType-Feature-1
content type line 23
ISSN:0093-3813
1939-9375
DOI:10.1109/27.31197