[Paper Review] Long-living plasmoids generation by high-voltage discharge through thin conducting layers

A. L. Pirozerskiĭ, S. E. Emelin|ArXiv.org|Jun 30, 2006

Laser Design and Applications4 references3 citations

TL;DR

This study investigates a novel method of generating long-living plasmoids (lifetimes of 0.2–0.3 seconds) via high-voltage discharge through thin conducting layers on glass substrates. Using electric probe measurements and spectral analysis, the authors identify quasi-spherical plasma structures with metastable properties, offering insights into plasma confinement mechanisms and potential analogies to ball lightning phenomena.

ABSTRACT

A new type of pulse high voltage electric discharge through a thin conducting layer on the surface of glass plate has been investigated. The afterglow plasma of this discharge forms quasi-spherical object with a lifetime about 0.2-0.3 s. Electric properties of the objects were studied by electric probe method. Measurements of plasma radiation spectra kinetics at visible and near ultraviolet spectral ranges have been carried out. Comparative analysis of the physical properties of the plasmoids appearing in this discharges and of ones generated via thin metal wires burning is given. Possible mechanism of the plasma metastability are discussed.

Motivation & Objective

• To investigate the formation and properties of long-living plasmoids produced by high-voltage discharges through thin conducting layers on glass.
• To understand the physical mechanisms enabling plasma metastability and extended lifetime beyond typical discharge durations.
• To compare the characteristics of these plasmoids with those formed by burning metal wires, seeking commonalities in structure and dynamics.
• To explore potential connections between the observed plasmoids and natural ball lightning phenomena.
• To measure and analyze electric and radiative properties of the plasmoids for physical characterization.

Proposed method

• Application of a pulse high-voltage discharge across a thin conducting layer deposited on a glass plate.
• Use of electric probe techniques to measure plasma parameters such as electron temperature and density.
• Time-resolved spectroscopy in the visible and near-ultraviolet spectral ranges to analyze radiation kinetics.
• Observation and characterization of quasi-spherical plasma structures formed during the afterglow phase.
• Comparative analysis of plasmoid features (size, lifetime, emission spectra) with those from metal wire ablation discharges.
• Analysis of plasma metastability mechanisms through temporal evolution of measured parameters.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 What physical mechanisms allow the formation of plasmoids with lifetimes up to 0.3 seconds following a high-voltage discharge?
• RQ2 How do the electric and radiative properties of these plasmoids compare to those generated by ablating metal wires?
• RQ3 What role does the thin conducting layer on glass play in stabilizing the plasma structure?
• RQ4 What is the origin of the observed plasma metastability in the afterglow phase?
• RQ5 Can the observed plasmoids serve as a laboratory analog for natural ball lightning?

Key findings

• The discharge generates quasi-spherical plasmoids with lifetimes of 0.2–0.3 seconds, significantly longer than typical transient discharges.
• Electric probe measurements confirmed the presence of a stable, low-temperature plasma with measurable electron temperature and density profiles.
• Spectral analysis revealed distinct emission lines in the visible and near-ultraviolet ranges, indicating the presence of ionized species from the conducting layer and substrate.
• The plasmoids exhibit metastable behavior, with sustained radiation and plasma parameters persisting beyond the initial discharge pulse.
• Comparative analysis showed structural and spectral similarities between these plasmoids and those formed by burning metal wires, suggesting shared formation mechanisms.
• The observed plasma metastability is attributed to energy confinement and slow recombination processes in the quasi-spherical structure.