Time-resolved imaging of the electrical breakdown of planar microelectrode gap in atmospheric air

The aim of this study was to obtain time-resolved images of the electrical breakdown of a planar microelectrode gap along the surface of a glass substrate in atmospheric air. The obtained images revealed details of the events leading to the breakdown. First, a point light emission appeared at the cathode, indicating breakdown initiated by the field emission of electrons from the cathode under extremely high electric fields. Then, a flare-like broad light emission was generated at the anode. Finally, breakdown occurred over the entire gap by the expansion and merger of the two emissions.