Space-time development of low-pressure gas breakdown

In this paper we present an analysis of time- and space-resolved development of several regimes of low-pressure dc discharges in argon. These regimes include low current Townsend discharge, oscillations and constrictions of discharge and high current diffuse glow discharges. Our work is based on ICCD recordings of the discharge structure, synchronized with current and voltage measurements. Measurements were made at three different pressure x electrode gap parameters (pd = 250, 150, 45 Pa cm), at three gaps (d = 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 cm). Special attention is given to radial effects and the influence of dielectric walls during the development of the glow discharge structure. We were able to show how the space time- resolved structure of the discharge can lead to an understanding of the physics of the initial stages of gas breakdown and formation of different regimes of low-pressure discharge. The results also give the basis for interpreting formative time delays associated with gas breakdown.