Experimental estimation of the surface charge density in micro dielectric barrier discharges

Here we report on the experimental studies of discharge processes in micro dielectric barrier gas discharge cells (mu-DBD). We propose a method, which allows us to measure the average surface charge density on the dielectric barriers of the discharge cell. The method is based on the measurement of the delay time between the polarity change of the applied voltage and the peak of the active discharge current. This procedure is applicable for cells of different sizes and geometries. It is especially advantageous for micro discharge cells, in which direct measurements are not applicable.