μs and ns twin surface dielectric barrier discharges operated in air: from electrode erosion to plasma characteristics

Abstract Electrode erosion through continual long-timescale operation (60 min) of identical twin surface dielectric barrier discharges (twin SDBDs) powered either by a microsecond ( μ s) or nanosecond timescale (ns) voltage source is investigated. The SDBDs are characterized using current–voltage measurements, optical emission spectroscopy, and phase integrated ICCD imaging. temporally spatially averaged gas temperature, consumed electric power, effective discharge parameters (reduced field, electron density) measured. s SDBD shown to operate in filamentary mode while the ns more homogeneous (i.e. non filamentary). Despite similarity both SDBD, nickel coated electrodes caused differs strongly. Only formation moderate number oxide species observed on electrodes. In contrast, locally melted considerably higher densities oxides around eroded areas due nature discharge.