Experimentally informed modelling of argon dielectric barrier discharge

Abstract

Low-pressure (1.3Torr) plasma breakdown in an asymmetric argon dielectric barrier discharge with a 10mm gap was investigated both numerically and experimentally. A one-dimensional fluid model was validated against the experimentally obtained optical emission spectroscopy (OES) spectra, high-speed imaging and plasma current measurements. The model predicts distinct spatio-temporal oscillations in charged particle densities preceding breakdown, these are confirmed experimentally. OES analysis supports a Druyvesteyn form of the electron energy distribution function, challenging the conventional assumption at low partial ionisations. The effects of varying the applied voltage frequency, pulse width and rise time were also systematically examined.