Streamer–surface interaction in an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge in argon

Abstract An atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in argon is investigated using a time-dependent and spatially two-dimensional fluid-Poisson model axisymmetric geometry. The focus on the streamer–surface interaction cathode-layer formation during first event single-filament DBD driven by sinusoidal voltage. A characteristic structure consisting of volume streamer propagating just above simultaneous development an additional surface near cathode observed. analysis electric field, electron production loss rates, charge density distribution shows that radial deflection free electrons remaining from Townsend pre-phase guided component field. occurring between deflected streamer, which acts as virtual anode, governed ion-induced secondary emission charges accumulated dielectric.