Temperature Characteristics of Cathode Sheath in High-Pressure Volume Discharge Derived from Emanating Shock Wave

The temperature characteristics of cathode sheath in high-pressure volume discharge are investigated experimentally. The cathode sheath temperatures under various discharge conditions are derived from the speeds of the emanating shock waves which are measured by a Mach–Zehnder interferometry. It is found that the cathode sheath temperature and the ratio ΔT₃/ΔT₁ of temperature rise between cathode sheath and plasma bulk are determined by the specific energy deposition and the breakdown delay time respectively. These results are helpful for discharge stability improving and shock wave reducing.