Direct and indirect studies of the gaseous charged species in surface dielectric barrier discharge in plasma actuator

In this paper we present results of the studies on the gaseous charged species produced in the surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD). In this study two experimental method were used: direct - optical emission spectroscopy of the SDBD plasma and indirect - trajectory tracking of the microparticles (previously charged by the SDBD ionic wind) travelling in the external electric field. In these experiments a SDBD actuator with an air-exposed high voltage electrode and an air-insulated grounded electrode was used to generate the surface SDBD. The spectroscopic measurements showed that the SDBD spectrum is dominated by the second positive system of N
₂
molecules. The spectral band of the first positive of N
₂
⁺
, NO and OH, as well as the atomic lines of O were also identified in the SDBD spectrum. The N
₂
⁺
ion was identified as main positive charge carrier in the ionic wind generated by the SDBD. The results of the trajectory tracking of the microparticles revealed that in the external electric field particles undergo the effect of separation of direction of movement (they travel according or contrary to the electric field lines).