Abstract
The generation of spatially periodic fronts of high-energy electrons (>13.48 eV) has been investigated in a radio-frequency surface microdischarge in atmospheric-pressure argon. Optical emission spectroscopy is used to study the Ar I 2 p 1 - 1 s 2 transition surrounding a filamentary microdischarge, both spatially and with respect to the phase of the applied voltage. The formation of excitation fronts, which remain at a constant propagation distance throughout the RF cycle and for the duration of the pulse, may be explained by a localized increase in the electric field at the tip of surface-charge layers that are deposited during the extension phase.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 034109 |
Journal | Applied Physics Letters |
Volume | 102 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 21 Jan 2013 |