High-Frequency Discharge with a Jet Electrolytic Electrode

A high-frequency discharge ( f = 13.56 MHz) generated between jet electrolytic (3% solution of ammonium sulfate in purified water) and metal (copper plates of the M1 grade) electrodes in the pressure range of p = 10(5)-3 x 10(4) Pa is studied. The ignition of the high-frequency (HF) discharge was carried out by applying an electrolyte jet to the surface of a copper plate in the discharge chamber. The types and shapes of plasma structures generated in the interelectrode gap and their mutual transformations at the change in the voltage are considered. Hydrogasdynamic processes in the combustion zone of the HF discharge are described, including optically inhomogeneous gas flows, disturbances of the jet electrode, and the formation of droplets. The thermograms of the surface of the jet and metal electrodes under the conditions of the HF discharge combustion are considered. The composition of the plasma, the electron density, and the temperature of the heavy component are studied using emission spectroscopy.