Dielectric-Barrier Microdischarge Structure for Efficient Positive-Column Plasma Using a Thick-Film Ceramic Sheet

In this paper, thick-film ceramic-sheet panel as a dielectric-barrier microdischarge-plasma source has been fabricated, and the behaviors of the positive column in the counter-electrode structure have been experimentally observed according to various electrode gaps from 200 to 500 mu m. The minimum gap distance between the electrodes, which directly affects the generation of the positive column, was suggested based on the infrared (IR) emission characteristics from the microdischarge plasma. Considering the experimental observations, it is confirmed that the IR efficiency remarkably increases when an efficient positive column is produced at the electrode gaps over 400 mu m.