One-dimensional simulation of multi pulse phenomena in dielectric-barrier atmospheric-pressure glow discharges

The dielectric-barrier configuration is commonly used to generate uniform, highly non-equilibrium atmospheric-pressure glow discharges. Although recent research has improved our understanding of these discharges, several questions relating to the structure and transient characteristics of the discharge remain to be answered. We employ a self-consistent, one-dimensional, model to simulate these discharges in helium. In particular, we address question of pulse formation and multi-pulse phenomena. The model provides excellent predictive capability for all trends concerning multiple pulse behavior. The appearance of multiple pulses with increasing external voltages is predicted accurately for the nominal operating frequency of ∼10 kHz. With decreasing frequencies down to ∼100 Hz, the weakening of the discharge pulse and the increasing number of pulses are also predicted. However, in the low frequency regime the prediction of the discharge phenomena is very sensitive to plasma chemistry model. Impurity effects appear to play an important role in this regime.