Characteristic radiation of nitrogen under subnanosecond breakdown in a highly nonuniform electric field near the positive-polarity electrode

Results are presented from experimental studies of elevated-pressure diffuse discharge in a highly nonuniform electric field. It is shown that, in discharges in nitrogen and air, the characteristic radiation (the K-line of nitrogen) is generated at the positive polarity of the electrode with a small curvature radius. X-ray bremsstrahlung from the anode was detected in a discharge in atmospheric-pressure air at a 12-kV amplitude of the incident voltage pulse.