High-energy proton generation under surface discharge conditions

A combined nanosecond pulsed electric discharge, whereby the breakdown proceeds simultaneously over a dielectric surface and across the interelectrode gap, has been studied. A beam of accelerated protons is generated in this system with a maximum energy of up to 350 keV that exceeds the high-voltage source potential. The phenomenon of selective acceleration of hydrogen ions has been observed. It is established that the probability of ion generation depends on the electrode polarity.