A new quasi-one-dimensional model for a negative corona in air is formulated allowing for the quantitative description of the mechanism of Trichel-pulse formation. Detailed analysis of the processes controlling pulse dynamics is made. Comparison with experiment for a short-gap corona demonstrates a reasonable agreement with the shape of the pulse and in the average characteristics of the negative corona.

Concentrations of NO, NO 2 , NO 3 , N 2 O 5 , and O 3 were measured by classical absorption spectroscopy in dielectric barrier discharges in flowing O 2 /NO x and N 2 /O 2 /NO x mixtures. The results of measurements in different parts of the discharge chamber and in its exhaust are compared to a numerical zero-dimensional kinetic model and good agreement is found. The experimentally found upper limit of the NO x concentration allowing ozone production is confirmed by the kinetic calculations for both gas mixtures. The rotational temperature of different nitrogen bands was measured by high-resolution emission spectroscopy. The results are explained on the basis of a simplified model and related to the gas temperature in the microdischarge channel and the surrounding gas.

The properties and kinetics of singlet delta oxygen (SDO) metastables in discharge plasma, which are important for the development of the discharge excited oxygen-iodine laser, are discussed. A short description is given of available experimental activity in the development of SDO generators. Specific requirements to the SDO discharge generator are reported. The capability of different kinds of discharge to meet these requirements is evaluated. Issues are discussed which are important for the study of SDO kinetics in more detail, including processes involving individual electronic-vibrational states.

The results of an experimental investigation of a DC glow discharge in fast air flow at a pressure of up to two atmospheres are presented. A high efficiency in the production of chemically active particles is achieved in this kind of discharge. For dry air the ozone yield was as high as 80 g kWh-1 at a concentration of 0.05%. The results of a successful application of this discharge for SO2 and NO removal from polluted air are described. A full kinetic model for the glow discharge at atmospheric pressure of dry air has been developed which explains experimental results with satisfactory accuracy.

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