Electrical Parameters of a Piezoelectric Transformer-Generated Nanosecond Spark Discharge in Air

Abstract

We study electrical parameters of nanosecond spark discharges generated by a piezoelectric transformer. The spark is generated in a 3 mm long air gap between the output (high-voltage) end of the piezoelectric transformer and an ungrounded metal cylinder (h = 12.3 mm and D = 8.6 mm). The active power consumed by the discharges (average over the period) and the energy input are estimated, a current oscillogram is obtained, and the air gap voltage versus time is plotted.