Nanosecond-pulsed discharge in liquid nitrogen: optical characterization and production of an energetic non-molecular form of nitrogen-rich material

Abstract

Nanosecond-pulsed discharge in liquid nitrogen ignited using a needle electrode and positive 60 kV high voltage pulses was characterized using fast and shadow imaging, as well as optical emission spectroscopy. Estimation of temperature was done using molecular nitrogen emission of second positive system ro-vibrational transition spectra, and the maximum temperature increase is estimated to be ~60 K. We also report on the first observations of plasma-generated unstable material from liquid nitrogen, presumably a form of polynitrogen compound.