Thin Luminous Tracks of Particles Released from Electrodes with A Small Radius of Curvature in Pulsed Nanosecond Discharges in Air and Argon

Features of the nanosecond discharge development in a non-uniform electric field are studied experimentally. High spatial resolution imaging showed that thin luminous tracks great length with cross-section few microns observed against background glow air and argon. It has been established detected adjacent to brightly white spots on electrodes or vicinity these spots, associated flight small particles. is shown have various shapes change from pulse pulse. The particle may look like curvy straight lines. In some photos, they can their direction movement opposite. was found particle’s track abruptly breaks bright flash visible at break point. color differs spark leaders, while bands second positive nitrogen system dominate plasma emission spectra during existence diffuse discharge. Areas blue light near as well. gap its breakdown revealed using an ICCD camera. Physical reasons for phenomena discussed.