Stabilization of DC atmospheric pressure glow discharge by a fast gas flow along the anode surface

We have investigated experimentally characteristics of an atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) produced by pin-plate electrodes with a gas flow. An APGD is sustained by DC voltage applied between these electrode with main and auxiliary gas flow. The auxiliary air flow is added to the main flow in a localized region by using a tiny nozzle. It is found for the first time that the glow discharge current is significantly increased when the auxiliary nozzle is set near the anode plate. This finding is very important to clarify the mechanism of a flow-stabilized APGD. An excellent hydrophilic property is observed on a sodium silicate glass surface treated by the APGD plasma only several seconds.