摘要

Based on the idea of increasing the number of initial electrons by changing the structures of the cathode, a method of generating the glow discharge plasma in the DC electric field by using the three-potential electrode structure is proposed. When the cathode takes the form of a spiral-contact electrode, a coupled electrode structure is designed. With this structure, the pre-discharge spiral-contact electrode provides a moderate number of seed electrons for the DC electric field. Moreover, the special electric field distribution of the coupled electrode structure can effectively suppress the occurrence of filamentary discharge and make possible the 8 mm-wide DC glow discharge under atmospheric pressure. The plasma generated in the DC field shows a feature of directional motion, promising great perspective in its application in surface treatment and other fields. Published by AIP Publishing.