Spectroscopic investigation of a neon-operated DBD at atmospheric and intermediate pressure

Abstract

Abstract A sinusoidally-excited Venturi-DBD operating in neon has been investigated. The Ne(1s5) metastable density has been quantified spatially resolved using laser atomic absorption spectroscopy for different pressure levels. Density values of up to 7 · 1016 m−3 could be determined at atmospheric pressure and up to 3 · 1016 m−3 at 100 mbar. For all investigated parameters, the Ne(1s5) density was found to be distinctly higher in the proximity of the cathode than in the anode region. Complementary investigations of the discharge development using phase-resolved optical emission spectroscopy complete the characterization of the device. The discharge was found to show typical properties of a glow-like discharge regarding current waveform and luminosity distribution. In addition, the influence of nitrogen and oxygen impurities and admixtures in the process gas has been determined. A substantial impact was found on both the Ne(1s5) concentration and the current waveform.