Domains of existence of various types of microwave discharge in quasi-optical electromagnetic beams

Abstract

High-and medium-pressure discharges excited by quasi-optical microwave beams in air are classified using experimental data. Diffuse, streamer, overcritical, undercritical, and deeply undercritical discharges are distinguished. The domains of existence of each type of discharge are determined as functions of the air pressure and field strength for two particular electromagnetic wavelengths.