Dynamics of energy dissipation in nanosecond corona discharges

The absorption of power by a nanosecond discharge in air is investigated experimentally. The effect of the diameter of the corona electrode and of the amplitude and polarity of the voltage pulse on the efficiency of energy input into the discharge is studied. The rate of rise of the voltage is found to have an effect on the amount of input power. Experimental data on the dynamics of the influx of charge into a discharge device are compared with a capacitive model for corona discharges.