Uniform glowlike plasma source assisted by preionization of spark in ambient air at atmospheric pressure

The ultraviolet radiation produced by spark discharges is employed to supply preionization for the dielectric barrier discharge in ambient air at atmospheric pressure. The effect of ultraviolet preionization and overvoltage on improving the uniformity of the dielectric barrier discharge is investigated experimentally. Based on the emission spectra and voltage-current wave forms, the optical and electrical characteristics of the discharge are discussed. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.