microdischarge

A microdischarge is a very small-scale electrical discharge that occurs in a gas. These discharges typically happen across a gap measuring from a few micrometers to a few millimeters. They are characterized by their low power consumption and the localized nature of the plasma they create. Unlike larger electrical discharges, microdischarges often exhibit a filamentary structure, meaning the current is concentrated in narrow channels.

The generation of microdischarges requires a voltage exceeding the breakdown voltage of the gas in the small gap. This voltage can be applied as a DC, AC, or pulsed waveform. The small gap size leads to high electric field strengths even at relatively low voltages, facilitating the ionization of the gas and the subsequent discharge. The properties of microdischarges, such as their temperature, electron density, and emission spectra, are strongly dependent on the gas composition, pressure, gap geometry, and applied voltage parameters.

Microdischarges have found a variety of applications due to their unique characteristics. They are utilized in areas such as plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, surface treatment and modification, ozone generation, lighting, and biomedical applications like sterilization and wound healing. Their compact size and low operating power make them suitable for integration into portable devices and microfluidic systems. Research continues to explore new ways to harness and control these miniature electrical phenomena.