Generation and investigation of a parallel-plate DBD driven at 1.6 MHz with flowing helium

The development of a new driven circuit that can drive a parallel-plate dielectric barrier discharge with flowing helium at atmospheric pressure is presented. The operating principle is based on the capability of a Tesla coil to generate high voltages with high oscillating frequencies. The discharge is generated inside a one open end parallelepipedic plasma chamber made of glass, using two outside parallel-plate electrodes. Depending on the helium flow-rate the plasma has three developing stages. In the homogeneous developing stage (1 l/min helium flow-rate) the plasma is characterized by using an electric model and based on its emission spectrum.