Breakdown in mm-sized discharges : modifying the electric field

Due to the small size of the gas gap in micro- and millimeter sized discharges, the presence of a metallic structure in its vicinity profoundly influences the breakdown process. This is a drawback because it makes electrical probing impossible, but can also be an advantage because it allows control over the electric field in the discharge reactor. Optical and electrical measurements were performed in an argon atmosphere at 0.3 or 0.7 bar. A pin-pin geometry was used, with 4 or 7mm between the electrode tips. We found that both active and passive structures influence breakdown, and we demonstrated the differences between the two types and their effects on the breakdown process

High-frequency AC breakdown in near-atmospheric pressure noble gasses

Abstract only

AC ignition of HID lamps

Our aim was to examine the starting behaviour of mid-pressure argon discharges in pin-pin (point-to-point) geometry, typically used in HID lamps. We focused our work on AC ignition of 300 and 700 mbar Ar discharges in Philips 70W standard burners. Frequency was varied between 200 kHz and 1 MHz. In this paper, we present several key features of an AC-driven discharge ignition

The Effect of an Antenna on the Breakdown Process in an HID Lamp

Antenna structures are not often used as a way to influence the breakdown process in gases. However, they do show great potential for lowering the ignition voltage of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. We used HID lamp burners filled with pure argon to test the effects that a simple active antenna can have on the breakdown process. We show the photographs of the process and explain why it is different from the case without antenna structures

The Effect of an Antenna on the Breakdown Process in an HID Lamp

Antenna structures are not often used as a way to influence the breakdown process in gases. However, they do show great potential for lowering the ignition voltage of high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. We used HID lamp burners filled with pure argon to test the effects that a simple active antenna can have on the breakdown process. We show the photographs of the process and explain why it is different from the case without antenna structures