Dielectric barrier discharge in nitrogen and argon

Summary form only given. Dielectric barrier discharges in air are generally streamer-like discharges, however, a homogeneous discharge, called atmospheric pressure glow discharge, may be obtained in some noble gases such as helium and argon. Dielectric barrier discharges in nitrogen and argon are studied experimentally to determine mechanisms controlling the transition from glow to streamer discharge. The influences of the applied voltage, the gas gap distance, the gas pressure and other factors on the discharge are investigated. The characteristics of the dielectric barrier discharge in nitrogen and argon are analyzed and compared. The aim of the paper is to study the experimental conditions of obtaining an atmospheric pressure glow discharge in nitrogen and argon. The possibility of obtaining an atmospheric pressure glow discharge in air is examined by increasing the proportion of air in nitrogen gradually. The waveforms of the applied voltage and discharge current under different experimental conditions are reported, which is helpful to describe the characteristics of the discharge and judge whether the discharge is a glow discharge or not