Striations in dielectric barrier discharge systems with a hollow anode

Abstract

The dynamics of the charging of an elongated hollow anode covered with a dielectric layer by an electron current is studied via three-dimensional particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo kinetic simulations. It is shown that this process is accompanied by the successive formation of striations in the plasma created by the electron impact ionization of the background gas. A number of specially designed numerical experiments are performed to further explore the nature of this phenomenon. An experimental setup where this type of striations should be observed is suggested.