Emissive characteristics of electric discharge initiated by high-current electron beam in atmosphere

Spectral and kinetic characteristics of electric discharge induced by a high-current electron beam in air at atmospheric pressure have been experimentally studied. The luminescence spectrum of a volume (diffuse) discharge generated under the conditions studied displayed emission bands due to the second positive system of nitrogen molecules. The cathode region of discharge exhibited bright cathode spots, which emitted short-term (nanosecond) pulses with continuous spectrum and long-term line radiation from atoms entering into the cathode material composition.