Self-deformation in a dc driven helium jet micro discharge

Abstract

We report on the experimental observation of three dimensional self-deformation in an atmospheric micro discharge of the helium microjet through a tube into the ambient air upon a water electrode. The geometry of the discharge system is axial symmetric. While decreasing the discharge current, three dimensional collective motion of plasma filaments are directly observed. The three dimensional configuration of the discharge self changed from an axial symmetrical horn to a rectangular horn when the water acts as a cathode.