Dynamics of Mode Transition in Air Dielectric Barrier Discharge by Controlling Pressures

In general, parameter pressure × gap distance (p × d) in dielectric barrier discharge is used to control the electrical breakdown and plasma characteristics. In this paper, we investigate the critical pd value for air discharge transition from filamentary to homogeneous mode by controlling the pressure. Dynamics of the air discharge show that the discharge transits from filamentary to homogeneous mode when the operating pressure decreases from 9 to 4 kPa. With 1-mm thickness alumina applied pulsed power, the critical pd value obtaining homogeneous air plasma is 40 kPamm.