Simulation of dc atmospheric pressure argon micro glow-discharge

A hybrid model was used to simulate a dc argon micro glow-discharge at atmospheric pressure. The simulations were carried out for a pin-plate electrode configuration with inter-electrode gap spacing of 200 mu m together with an external circuit. The predicted voltage-current characteristics and current density profiles identify the discharge to be a normal glow-discharge. The neutral gas temperature predictions indicate that the discharge forms a non-thermal, non-equilibrium plasma. Experimental studies were conducted to validate the numerical model. Predictions from the numerical model compare favourably with the experimental measurements.