Breakdown voltage of the surface glow discharge

Breakdown voltage is an important parameter of the surface glow discharge especially from the standpoint of practical applications. The experimental results of the breakdown voltage measurements for this type of discharge together with the results obtained from theoretical analysis are given. The presented model is based on the calculation of the electric field, trajectories of charged particles (which do not follow the flux lines) and finally on the testing of the condition for the self sustained discharge. The obtained theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental ones.