Array hollow-anode microsecond-pulsed plasma jets at atmospheric pressure: mode transition and influencing factors

Hollow cathode plasma jets are commonly utilized across various fields, yet there is limited research on hollow anode discharge, particularly on array hollow anode plasma jets. This letter presents the novel design of a array hollow anode discharge device excited by microsecond pulse. Systematical investigations about the discharge characteristics and mode transition process of the device are examined from the perspectives of electricity and space-time distribution to get insights into the formation mechanisms of array hollow anode plasma jets. Results show that three distinct discharge modes when the array hollow anode plasma jets interacting with ITO plate are identified based on the number and location of the discharged hollow anodes: Mode A involves all 16 hollow anodes discharging, Mode B entails 12 hollow anodes discharging, and Mode C comprises 4 hollow anodes discharging at the four vertices of the device. It is observed that experimental outcomes are influenced by the distance from the hollow anode tube port to the plate. The formation mechanism is determined by an increase in distance impacting spatial electric field distribution and facilitating mode transition. Furthermore, the impacts of pulse voltage, pulse frequency, and flow rate on the variation of interval length under different modes are investigated. The results indicate that voltage has the most significant effect on interval length, followed by frequency, while flow rate has a minimal effect. These findings hold significant implications for enhancing understanding of mode transition and influencing factors of array hollow anode plasma jets.