Propagation of a pulsed nanosecond discharge on a water surface in non-symmetrical configuration, and comparison with the symmetrical configuration

Abstract

Non-thermal plasmas produced by pulsed nanosecond discharges at atmospheric pressure are of great interest for fundamental as well as technological and environmental applications due to their high reactivity. When generated in air in contact with water, these discharges induce many physical and chemical phenomena at the interface, including pattern formation. Although the patterns generated in symmetrical configuration have been extensively studied, those produced by asymmetrical discharges are not well characterized. In this study, we report the propagation dynamics of a nanosecond discharge produced in air in contact with water using electrodes mounted in parallel direction relative to the water surface (i.e. asymmetric configuration). The influence of the high voltage polarity and water electrical conductivity on the discharge pattern is investigated using fast imaging and electrical diagnostics. The obtained results demonstrate that under positive voltage polarity, plasma dots are produced along the ionization front. These dots have been previously observed in symmetrical configuration; however, their propagation velocity is greater in asymmetrical configuration, particularly in front of the anode. Under negative polarity conditions, a homogeneous emission pattern is observed, except in the area in front of the cathode, where dots are detected in the ionization front. Based on this data, the E-field threshold beyond which plasma dots are formed is estimated to be ∼5 × 108 V m−1. Overall, the results reported herein provide a fundamental understanding of plasma-water interactions.