Modeling of Influence of a Thin Dielectric Film at a Fraction of Cathode Surface on Transition of a Glow Gas Discharge into an Arc Discharge

Key Points

• This research aims to model how a thin dielectric film on a cathode influences the transition from glow discharge to arc discharge.
• Developed a model of the cathode layer under varying surface coverage by a thin dielectric film.
• Analyzed the effects on discharge current density and cathode voltage drop during the transition.
• The transition from glow to arc discharge occurs most rapidly when the dielectric film covers about 50% of the cathode surface.
• This condition results in a significant increase in discharge current density.
• There is a notable decrease in cathode voltage drop during the transition.