Positive Corona Processes in Electronegative Gaseous Dielectrics

Events occurring in a positive point/plane gap Subjected to quasi-step function voltages have been monitored by both terminal and optical measurements. Evidence is presented on the importance of the critical al initiation volume in the vicinity of the anode in determining both the time lag and the luminous extent of the corona. Changes in the corona characteristics are explained on the basis of spatial modifications of the ionization zone resulting from space charge distortion. An approximate theoretical basis for the results is explored in terms of the detachment of negative ions and illustrated with reference to seeding of the discharge with a low ionization potential additive.