Role of charge photodesorption in self-synchronized breakdown of surface streamers in air at atmospheric pressure

A surface dielectric barrier discharge configuration with two identical high voltage electrodes is investigated in air at atmospheric pressure. Synchronized breakdown of streamers on both electrodes is evidenced by statistical study. The light emitted by plasma filament on one electrode can trigger the breakdown of streamers on the other electrode. The role of photodesorption of negative charges deposited on the Pyrex dielectric barrier is responsible for these self-synchronized breakdowns. The binding energy of negative charges photodesorbed is estimated to be lower than 3.5 eV.