Challenges of energy measurements of low-energy spark discharges

The method of measuring the energy deposited into the gas-discharge gap of a low-energy discharge that is based on measuring the discharge current and voltage across the spark gap has been analyzed. A numerical model of transient in a distributed-element circuit is used to assess the connection impact. The effect of the connection distance between the high-voltage probe and the tips of discharge electrodes on the correct measurement of voltage across the gap is revealed. The difference between the discharge current flowing through the gas discharge gap and the discharge current flowing through the discharge capacitor is evaluated.