A particle-in-cell simulation of a process of avalanche developing at a non-completed sliding discharge

The earliest stage of a non-completed sliding on a dielectric surface disch arge, which is of an avalanche form, is studied by a two-dimensional partic le-in-cell computer simulation with the use of a well known self-consistent , electromagnetic code 'KARAT'. The influence of a dielectric constant on t he discharge dynamics is investigated. A return current of secondary electr ons is discovered. It is obtained that the dielectric constant increases, a pproaches the ionization front velocity, decreases, and that there is a gro wth of an electric field near a cathode.