Breakdown in mm-sized discharges : modifying the electric field

Due to the small size of the gas gap in micro- and millimeter sized discharges, the presence of a metallic structure in its vicinity profoundly influences the breakdown process. This is a drawback because it makes electrical probing impossible, but can also be an advantage because it allows control over the electric field in the discharge reactor. Optical and electrical measurements were performed in an argon atmosphere at 0.3 or 0.7 bar. A pin-pin geometry was used, with 4 or 7mm between the electrode tips. We found that both active and passive structures influence breakdown, and we demonstrated the differences between the two types and their effects on the breakdown process.