Analysis of flashes accompanying discharges in air at dielectric surfaces

Abstract
A new method of measuring discharges at the surface of a dielectric is presented. It is based on observations of the flash accompanying the discharges with a linear photomultiplier. The measurements were made for C4H4O6KNa.4H2O, KH2PO4, NH4H2PO4, glass (G) and organic glass (PG). The measured flash-energy spectra reveal two parts which vary strongly with the dielectric used, the applied electric field and the time. The flash energies, geometrical picture and flash-energy spectra are discussed.