Generation of a homogeneous glow discharge using perforated aluminium electrode

Abstract

A perforated-aluminium plate electrode has been studied with the aim of enhancing the stability of the glow discharge at atmospheric pressure. A proven simulator has been used (Ansoft-Maxwell 2D) and a significant increase in Electric Field Strength (EFS) is observed using perforated aluminium, due to its sharp edges. Meanwhile, practical investigation also shows that the discharge configuration with perforated aluminium can also be acted as a fine wire mesh configuration, which generates a stable glow discharge at atmospheric pressure. In addition, previous work has confirmed that the stability of the glow discharge is not affected by the electric field strength. This kind of perforated-aluminium plate discharge system would be useful as an effective means for surface modification and removing pollutant gases.