Theory of Pulsed Breakdown of Dense Gases and Optimization of the Voltage Waveform

• Published in: IEEE transactions on plasma science Vol. 36; no. 1; pp. 131 - 139
• Main Authors: Nikandrov, D.S., Tsendin, L.D., Kolobov, V.I., Arslanbekov, R.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01-02-2008; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Analytical model; Analytical models; Breakdown; Breakdown voltage; Cathodes; dense gases; Dynamic tests; Electric breakdown; Electric potential; Electrodes; Gases; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Numerical simulation; Optimization; Plasma; Plasma density; Plasma sheaths; Plasma simulation; Plasma waves; pulsed breakdown; Simulation; Voltage; voltage optimization; Waveforms
• ISSN: 0093-3813; 1939-9375
• DOI: 10.1109/TPS.2007.913931

An analytical model of a Townsend breakdown of dense gases under pulsed voltage was developed based on the dynamics of the cathode sheath. Scaling parameters for impulse breakdown were derived and these scalings agreed with experiment and elaborate numerical simulations. The model is applied to optimization of the voltage waveform for obtaining maximum plasma density. We show that the optimal conditions from the standpoint of maximal plasma production at the lowest applied voltage correspond to gas breakdown during the end of the risetime of the applied voltage pulse.