Influence of Power Supply Modes on the Dynamics of Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge Radiation in Mg Atom Flow Generation Mode

The dynamics and spatial distribution of atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasma radiation in an argon flow in the plasma generation mode with metal particles is studied. The discharge system consisted of two symmetrical tantalum crucible-electrodes with inserts of a low-melting metal (magnesium) and operated at a current of 100–600 mA, a relatively high discharge voltage of 150–200 V, and an argon flow rate of 1–3 L/min without changing to spark or arc discharge modes. A discharge was self-maintained in the pulse mode due to afterglow of decaying plasma in the interpulse period. It is shown that emission from metal atoms is the strongest near the glow discharge cathode regardless of the power supply mode (direct or unipolar or bipolar pulse current). The results of this work can be used in aerosol flow generation, synthesis of nanostructured materials, and optical radiation generation by gas discharge.