The streamer-to-spark transition in a transient spark: a dc-driven nanosecond-pulsed discharge in atmospheric air

Abstract

We present a study of the streamer-to-spark transition in a self-pulsing dc-driven discharge called a transient spark (TS). The TS is a streamer-to-spark transition discharge with short spark duration (∼10–100 ns), based on charging and discharging of the internal capacity of the electric circuit with repetition frequency 1–10 kHz. The TS can be maintained under relatively low energy conditions (0.1–1 mJ pulse−1). It generates a very reactive non-equilibrium air plasma applicable for flue gas cleaning or bio-decontamination.