Probe measurements in a discharge with liquid nonmetallic electrodes in air at atmospheric pressure

Discharges with liquid nonmetallic electrodes of much interest for applications are investigated. It is found that a dc discharge between two streams of tap water in air at atmospheric pressure is stable at a currentof 40≤I≤100 mA. The discharge exists in the diffuse (volume) form with a relatively low current density (∼0.2 A/cm²) and a high (above one kilovolt) voltage drop across the air gap (∼1 cm) between the water electrodes. The current density and voltage depend only slightly on the discharge current. Probe measurements show that three regions can be distinguished in the discharge: two electrode regions (1–2 mm in length) and a discharge column with a constant electric field of ≈0.8 kV/cm (i.e., E/N≈20 Td, because the gas in the discharge is heated up to 1500–2000 K). The average electric field strength near the electrodes is E≈2–3×10³ V/cm (E/N≈60–80 Td). The charged particle density in the column is n ∼ 10¹² cm⁻³. The probe measurements of n agree with the previous microwave absorption measurements. The water vapor concentration in the column is also estimated from probe measurements.     

约化场强对氮-氧混合气放电等离子体演化特性的影响

采用零维等离子体动力学模型,计算了不同约化场强条件下N₂/O₂放电等离子体的演化特性.结果表明,平均电子能量与约化场强有着近似的线性关系,在约化场强为100 Td时,平均电子能量约为2.6 eV、最大电子能量达35 eV;约化场强是影响电子能量函数分布的主要因素.气体放电过程结束后,振动激发态氮分子的粒子数浓度不再变化,电子激发态的氮分子、原子和氧原子的粒子数浓度达到一峰值后开始降低;放电结束后的氧原子通过复合反应生成臭氧.约化场强升高,由于低能电子减少的影响,振动激发态氮分子的粒子数浓度降低,当约化场强由50 Td增加75 Td,100 Td时,粒子数浓度由3.83×10¹¹ cm^-3降至1.98×10¹¹ cm^-3和1.77×10¹¹ cm^-3,其他粒子浓度则相应增大. 关键词： 等离子体 约化场强 粒子演化 数值模拟     

Measurement of electric field strengths in a waveguide by means of the dynamic Stark effect in hydrogen and neutral helium spectral lines

The dynamic Stark effect of the spectral lines H_β and of the neutral helium lines λ=402.6 nm (2³ P ⁰−5³ D) and λ=438.8 nm (2¹ P ⁰−5¹ D) emitted from a discharge tube was used for probing rf electric fields in a transverse waveguide. Calculations accounting for the pertubation of the atomic states by strong unidirectional fields prove to be suitable in order to interprete the main experimental results. If the waveguide is terminated with a metallic reflector and the plasma in the discharge tube becomes overdense—then representing a slightly permeable mirror—a resonant enhancement of the electric field strength may be achieved by tuning. This enhancement is well recognizable in the spectral line contours.     

Composition of a non-self-sustained discharge plasma in an N2: O2: H2O mixture at atmospheric pressure

The plasma composition of a discharge sustained by a pulsed ionization source of μs duration is computed. It is shown that, within a time interval of ∼10⁻⁶ s after the ionization pulse, the dependences of the ion densities on the electric field and ionization source power show features that should be taken into account when developing laser systems for controlling electric discharges in long air gaps. The effect of the plasma composition on the efficiency of electron photodetachment from negative O ₂ ⁻ ions is investigated by the example of a discharge initiation system consisting of two lasers with different pulse durations and wavelengths. Plasmochemical processes under conditions of enhanced electron photodetachment from negative O ₂ ⁻ ions are simulated. It is shown that photodetachment can increase the electron density for a time of <10⁻⁵ s.     

Energetic Characteristics of Oxygen Plasma

A low-temperature oxygen plasma is studied using the thermocouple, probe and spectral method in the range of 2–8 Torr pressure, 30–100 mA discharge currents, 0, 5, 10 m/s pumping velocity. The gas temperature, concentrations of electrons and oxygen atoms in the 3 p⁵P state, and the longitudinal electric field are measured. Radial distributions of gas temperature and electron concentration are obtained. Ranges of pressures and currents are found in which considerable increases in electric field, discharge voltage, temperatures of gas and electrons are observed at pumping switched on. An estimate of the rate constant of the steplike ionization through the O₂(a¹Δg) state is given. The concentration of atomic oxygen in the ground state and excitation constant of the triplet O(3p⁵P) by electron impact are obtained from the solution of the balance equations and our experimental data.     

入射电子能量对低密度聚乙烯深层充电特性的影响

高能带电粒子与航天器介质材料相互作用引起的深层带电现象, 一直是威胁航天器安全运行的重要因素之一. 考虑入射电子在介质中的电荷沉积、能量沉积分布以及介质中的非线性暗电导和辐射诱导电导, 建立了介质深层充电的单极性电荷输运物理模型. 通过求解电荷连续性方程和泊松方程, 可以得出不同能量 (0.1–0.5 MeV) 电子辐射下, 低密度聚乙烯 (厚度为1 mm) 介质中的电荷输运特性. 计算结果表明, 不同能量的电子辐射下, 介质充电达到平衡时, 最大电场随入射能量的增加而减小; 同一能量辐射下, 最大电场随束流密度的增大而增加. 入射电子能量较低时 (≤ 0.3 MeV) , 最大电场随束流密度的变化趋势基本相同. 具体表现为: 当束流密度大于3× 10^-9 A/m²时, 最大场强超过击穿阈值2×10⁷ V/m, 发生静电放电 (ESD) 的可能性较大. 随着入射电子能量的增加, 发生静电放电 (ESD) 的临界束流密度增大, 在能量为0.4 MeV时, 临界束流密度为6×10^-8 A/m². 当能量大于等于0.5 MeV时, 在束流密度为10^-9–10^-6 A/m²的范围内, 均不会发生静电放电 (ESD) . 该物理模型对于深入研究深层充放电效应、评估航天器在空间环境下 深层带电程度及防护设计具有重要的意义. 关键词： 高能电子辐射 低密度聚乙烯(LDPE) 介质深层充电 电导特性     

Exponential absorption edge in hydrogenated α-Si films

Optical and photoelectric measurements demonstrate that hydrogenated amorphous silicon prepared by glow discharge decomposition of silane has an exponential optical absorption edge, over the photon energy range 1.4–1.8 eV with a slope of 0.05–0.08 eV. Evidence is presented that the photogeneration efficiency is unity at room temperature and independent of electric field (10²?10⁴ V/cm^?1) and photon energy (1.2–2.2 eV).     

Cold-hollow-cathode arc discharge in crossed electric and magnetic fields

A crossed-field cold-hollow-cathode arc is stable at low working gas pressures of 10⁻²–10⁻¹ Pa, magnetic-field-and gas-dependent arcing voltages of 20–50 V, and discharge currents of 20–200 A. This is because electrons come from a cathode spot produced on the inner cathode surface by a discharge over the dielectric surface. The magnetic field influences the arcing voltage and discharge current most significantly. When the plasma conductivity in the cathode region decreases in the electric field direction, the magnetic field increases, causing the discharge current to decline and the discharge voltage to rise. The discharge is quenched when a critical magnetic field depending on the type of gas is reached. Because of the absence of heated elements, the hollow cathode remains efficient for long when an arc is initiated in both inert and chemically active gases.     

Reactive nitrogen species produced in water by non-equilibrium plasma increase plant growth rate and nutritional yield

Water quality, mineralization, and chemical composition, particularly pH and nitrogen compounds each, play a crucial role in plant development and growth. Treatment of water with non-equilibrium discharges results in the change of its properties and chemical composition, which in turn may affect plant growth process and subsequently agriculture produce quality. Both thermal and non-thermal discharges generated in air or in water produce a number of reactive neutral and charged species, electric fields, and ultraviolet radiation. Plasma treatment of water results in significant change of its properties like pH, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), conductivity, and concentration of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species (ROS and RNS). Here we report the results of an experimental study of the effect of water treated with different atmospheric plasmas on germination, growth rates, and overall nutritional value of various plants. In the study we have used three types of plasmas: thermal spark discharge, gliding arc discharge, and transferred arc discharge. It is shown that the effects of these plasmas on chemical composition of various types of water are qualitatively different. Non-thermal gliding arc discharge plasma results in lower (acidic) pH, and production of significant amount of oxidizing species (e.g. H₂O₂). Gliding arc discharge also causes significant acidification of water, but it is accompanied by production of reactive nitrogen species (NO, NO₂^? and NO₃^?). Spark discharge treatment results in neutral or higher (basic) pH depending on initial water composition, and production of RNS.     

Calculation of the parameters of vacuum-ultraviolet emission of excimers in the plasma of a barrier discharge in a krypton-xenon mixture

The intensities of vacuum-ultraviolet emission of excimers in a krypton-xenon mixture are calculated in terms of the homogeneous model of a barrier discharge. The mechanisms of the formation of excimer molecules are investigated at different xenon concentrations. The obtained dependences of the efficiency of vacuum-ultraviolet emission on the reduced electric field E/N (where E is the electric field strength and N is the particle concentration of the gas) and the xenon content exhibit a plateau and a subsequent steep decline. The efficiency of vacuum-ultraviolet emission reaches a maximum at the plateau when the xenon content δ is approximately equal to 40%. The concentrations of xenon excimers can be as high as 10¹⁴–10¹⁵ cm^?3. This is comparable to the concentrations in a barrier discharge in pure xenon.     

Double layer creation in asymmetric discharge

Particle-in-cell Monte Carlo code has been used to simulate the DC discharge in strongly inhomogeneous cylindrical and spherical electric fields. Such a discharge occurs in the gaseous medium between a thin wire and a coaxial cylinder, or between a sharp tip and a sphere at high voltage. The discharge threshold conditions have been specified and corresponding threshold voltage (threshold electric field intensity) has been determined numerically. The threshold voltage varies with the electrode geometry, the polarity of active electrodes, gas composition (H, Ar, N₂) and gas pressure. In case of a positively charged inner electrode, a thin boundary sheet is developed in the vicinity of the electrode, when the quasineutrality of the ionized gas is violated and the electron current is closed via the external RLC circuit. In the opposite case of a negatively charged inner electrode, a double layer is developed inside the ionized gas. Dedicated to Prof. Jan Janča on the occasion of his 60^th birthday. Presented at 23^rd International Conference on Phenomena in Ionized Gases, Toulouse (France), July 17–22, 1997. The work was supported by the Grant Agency of the Czech. Acad. Sci. under Contract No. 202/1022.     

Ion emission in humid air

An electric discharge with a current of about 1 pA that appears at an air humidity >60% in an electric field >10 kV/cm is described. The experimental data demonstrate the presence of a discharge induced by ion emission from a wet surface rather than of a corona discharge. Emission decreases the potential of the insulated electrode according to the law U(t) ～ e ^?k√t . The static electric field is measured with a fixed collector and a vibrating screening grid.     

Bipolar atmospheric-pressure corona discharge in a He/H2 mixture

Results are presented from a study of the characteristics of a steady-state plasma in a He/H₂ mixture at high pressures. The plasma is formed in the outer region of a multielectrode corona discharge. It is shown that molecules of helium hydride form in such a medium, and their decomposition is accompanied by continuum emission in the 350–650 nm region. The corona discharge is distributed over the length and can be used in systems for the transverse electric circulation of the working medium of atmospheric-pressure plasma radiation sources. The reference spectra of the plasma emission and the dependence of the relative intensity of the lines and the brightness of the bands of He ₂ ^* on the value of the discharge current, pressure, and composition of the working mixture are investigated. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 69, 33–37 (July 1999)     

Optical emission spectrum of the NO2+ dication

We recorded and rotationally analyzed a new emission band at 2563 Å obtained from a low-pressure, hot cathode and magnetically confined electric discharge through pure NO vapor. The available experimental data from photoion-fluorescence photon coincidence and translational energy loss spectroscopy, in conjunction with ab initio calculation, allowed assignment of the new band to the B²Σ⁺-X²Σ⁺ (0, 0) transition of the NO²⁺ ion.     

Emission properties of apokamp discharge at atmospheric pressure in air,argon, and helium

Emission spectra of the plasma jet of apokamp discharge in air, helium, and argon are studied. Apokamp at atmospheric pressure is formed in the areas of strengthening of the electric field near the bends in the channel of the pulse-periodic discharge and is directed perpendicularly to the discharge channel. Apokamp consists of a bright narrow “appendage” connected with the discharge channel and with the diffuse jet emerging from the channel. It is shown that, in helium, the emission of the diffuse part of apokamp is dominated by N₂ and N₂ ⁺, while emission of the “appendage” display lines and bands of He, N₂, N₂ ⁺, O, and OH. In argon, emission spectra of the diffuse part of the plasma jets contain not only N₂ and N₂ ⁺, but also Ar lines. It is assumed that the surrounding air plays an important role in the formation of the diffuse part of apokamp in helium and argon.     

A study of cross-gas-flow to stabilize an atmospheric pressure glow plasma in a multi-pin-to-multi-cupped-plane negative corona discharge

In a multi-pin-to-multi-cupped-plane DC negative corona discharge configuration, a stable and diffuse glow discharge controlled by a fast airflow was obtained. This paper investigates the effect of the air gas flow velocity and the electrode structure on the discharge mode transition and the stabilization of the glow discharge by means of electric measurements and emission records. The stabilization mechanism of the glow discharge is discussed. The maximum glow discharge current reached 3.9 mA and the average current density was about 0.7 mA/cm².     

Emission of cyan upon excitation of nitrogen,air, and N<Subscript>2</Subscript>-CH<Subscript>4</Subscript> mixture by discharge pulses in an inhomogeneous electric field

We have studied spectral and amplitude-time characteristics of the emission by nitrogen, air, and the N₂-CH₄ mixture upon excitation by nanosecond and microsecond high-voltage discharge pulses in an inhomogeneous electric field in the pressure range of 0.01–3 atm. In the pulsed and pulse-periodic discharge regimes, we have observed emission bands of the violet system of cyan, the transition B ²Σ⁺ → X ²Σ⁺, which were comparable in intensity with bands of the (2⁺) system of nitrogen. We show that, in the pulsed regime, the highest intensity of the violet system of cyan is observed in the N₂-CH₄ mixture. We show that, in the pulse-periodic discharge in nitrogen with a small amount of a carbon-containing admixture, upon contracting the discharge, the efficiencies of formation and emission of the violet system of cyan considerably increase. We confirm that admixtures of oxygen to nitrogen lead to suppression of the emission of the violet system of cyan molecules.     

Implementation of a sapphire cell with external electrodes for laser excitation of a forbidden atomic transition in a pulsed E-field

We demonstrate the production of an electric field inside a high temperature cesium vapor cell with external electrodes. This external control of the electric field, which is not possible with a glass cell in presence of a cesium vapor, is achieved using a cell made of sapphire, and is of particular interest for our ongoing Parity Violation experiment. We describe the main components and the implementation on the set-up, including the pulsed high voltage generator. With pulse duration not exceeding 200 ns the system provides a reversible longitudinal E-field of up to 2 kV/cm in the vapor at a density of ∼ 2×10¹⁴ at/cm³ without discharge. Atomic signals attest the application of the electric field in the cell, with the predicted value. Further improvements obtained with sapphire cells are also presented. Received 15 September 2000