Self-consistent model of a pulsed air discharge excited by surface waves

A complete self-consistent electrodynamic model of a pulsed gas discharge excited by surface waves is developed. The model allows one to calculate both the initial phase of the discharge front propagation and the parameters of the produced plasma. The spatiotemporal evolution of the electromagnetic field and plasma parameters at the discharge front is investigated for the first time. It is shown that discharge propagation is mainly governed by a breakdown wave in an inhomogeneous electric field at the leading edge of the ionization front. It is found that the effect of the electric field enhancement in the plasma resonance region significantly affects the velocity of the breakdown wave. The results of calculations agree well with experimental data.