Evolution of the uniformity in the repetitive unipolar nanosecond-pulse dielectric barrier discharge

The time evolution of dielectric barrier discharge driven by nanosecond pulse high-voltage power is investigated by high-speed video analysis, electrical measurements and spectral diagnostics. It is found that the discharge mode generally goes through the evolution process of filamentary discharge -> diffuse discharge -> filamentary discharge with the increase in discharge cycle. The time-dependent changes in the standard deviation of image gray levels indicate that the discharge uniformity first improves and then deteriorates in this evolution process. The different pre-ionization density and modulated distribution of space charges and surface charges are considered to be the main reasons for the time evolution of discharge uniformity. In addition, the experiments under different frequencies and voltages show that the transition of the discharge mode is more likely to occur at higher frequency and higher voltage. Further measurement and calculation reveal that the discharge at high frequency and high voltage has the same characteristics, that is, high pre-ionization degree, thick filament diameter and short time lag. These characteristics usually lead to higher seed electron density, larger critical avalanche size and weaker lateral inhibition effect, which make the discharge mode transition more likely to occur.