Study of the microscopic characteristics of a repetitive microsecond barrier discharge

Results are presented from investigations of the electric, optical, and spatial characteristics of a microsecond barrier discharge in atmospheric-pressure air in a uniform electric field. The currents in individual microscopic channels were measured by using sectioned electrodes. It is found that the first series of microscopic discharges is characterized by a relatively low current density (lower than 280 A/cm²). In the subsequent series, the microscopic discharges have a pronounced channel structure with a high current density. The prints of the channels on the metal anode have the form of microscopic craters 4 μm in diameter and 0.5 μm in depth.