The layered structure of a high-power electric discharge in high-pressure gases

The formation and the evolution dynamics of the layered structure of the plasma column of a high-power open electric discharge were studied in air, nitrogen, argon, and other gases at nearly atmospheric pressure. The volume structure of the discharge was investigated by probing with a wide laser beam at a wavelength of 1.06 micron; 150 microseconds after the initiation, the discharge has a well pronounced layered structure, with the layers being normal to the current. The volume structure of the discharge changes with time and, after 450 microseconds, becomes cellular.