Temporally and spectrally resolved observation of a crossed-flow DBD plasma jet using pure helium and argon/acetone mixed gases

Abstract

A crossed gas flow dielectric barrier discharge plasma jet using vertical pure helium and tilted argon/acetone mixed gases is investigated in this study, mainly by an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera. We have observed ionization-front propagation and transient glow discharge formation following the rise of the applied voltage pulse. A secondary discharge with a reverse polarity was ignited during the falling slope of the applied voltage pulse. In order to analyze excited-species distribution inside the discharge, optical interference filters were placed in front of the ICCD camera with the center wavelengths set at the excited species' transition. The imaging results revealed detailed discharge structures around the crossing point of the two gas flows including bridging emission between the two flows that changed position with time. We also discuss the ignition mechanisms of the secondary discharge considering effects of accumulated charge during the primary discharge and changes in the channel conductivity following the primary discharge.