Self-deformation in a dc driven helium jet micro discharge

TL;DR

This paper experimentally observes three-dimensional self-deformation in a helium microjet discharge, revealing how plasma filament configurations change with discharge current and electrode conditions.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed experimental analysis of 3D self-deformation phenomena in atmospheric helium microdischarges with water electrodes.

Findings

Discovered 3D collective plasma filament motion during current variation.

Identified shape transition from axial symmetric horn to rectangular horn.

Showed water electrode influences discharge geometry and behavior.

Abstract

We report on the experimental observation of three dimensional self-deformation in an atmospheric micro discharge of the helium microjet through a tube into the ambient air upon a water electrode. The geometry of the discharge system is axial symmetric. While decreasing the discharge current, three dimensional collective motion of plasma filaments are directly observed. The three dimensional configuration of the discharge self changed from an axial symmetrical horn to a rectangular horn when the water acts as a cathode.