Optical investigation on one dimensional dielectric barrier discharge by photomultiplier tubes

In this paper, a simple optical system is used to study the spatial-temporal evolution of pattern formation, which is composed of an image system and two photomultiplier tubes. The pattern formation is realized in one dimensional discharge device controlled by dielectric barrier. Results indicate that the discharge is filamentary when the applied voltage is low, compared with the uniform mode when the applied voltage is high enough. Discharge current of the former is quite weak as a result of the discharge area is very small. The discharge current signal can hardly be discerned from the displacement current. Furthermore, the discharge current signal of the latter is completely submerged in the displacement current. A photomultiplier tube is used to detect the light emission from the discharge. The light emission signal can be obtained because the photomultiplier tube can magnify the light emission signal several tens or several hundreds times. Under this circumstance, discharge dynamics can be investigated. Obviously, photomultiplier tube is the crucial equipment in this optical investigation. Furthermore, both the light emission signals from the total discharge and a chosen part of the discharge are magnified simultaneously by using two photomultiplier tubes. The discharge characteristics and mechanism are analyzed. © 2009 SPIE.link_to_subscribed_fulltex