Time-resolved observations of RF corona in air and nitrogen

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Abstract
The onset and subsequent development of corona under RF conditions in point-to-plane geometry have been investigated using time-resolved image intensification. A toroid-plane configuration, modified by small needle-sharp protrusions from the toroid, has been used. Studies were made in both N2 and air over pressures ranging from 80 Torr to atmospheric pressure. Techniques are described for precisely determining the phase position within a single cycle of the 10 MHz RF pulse at which corona onset occurs. Subsequent progressive changes of the image during the RF pulse length are recorded. A qualitative explanation of observed polarity and hysteresis effects is given in terms of space charge accumulation. The effect of UV filtering during the latter stages of the RF pulse is also reported.