From ozone generators to flat television screens: history and future potential of dielectric-barrier discharges

Dielectric-barrier discharges (silent discharges) combine the ease of atmos pheric pressure operation with nonequilibrium plasma conditions suited for many plasma chemical processes. In most gases at this pressure the discharg e consists of a large number of randomly distributed short-lived microdisch arges. Their properties are discussed in detail. Traditionally mainly used for industrial ozone production, dielectric-barrier discharges have found a dditional large volume applications in surface treatment, high-power CO2 la sers, excimer ultraviolet lamps, pollution control and, most recently, also in large-area flat plasma display panels. Future applications may include their use in greenhouse gas control technologies. Historical aspects, prope rties and applications of dielectric-barrier discharges are discussed.