Theoretical investigation of streamer characteristics in Ne-Xe-HCl pulsed high-pressure discharges

The aim of this work is to highlight some quantities characterizing the anode-directed streamer generated in the Ne/Xe/HCl gas mixture plasma at high pressure and under non-uniform preionization conditions. This mixture is used as excitation medium for XeCl excimer lasers. A comprehensive model of discharge is presented. This model gives the space-time evolution of electron density and electric field, streamer appearance time, streamer expansion distance and velocity. The effect of HCl concentration in the gas mixture, as well as gas pressure and gap distance on streamer characteristics, have been investigated and discussed. Calculations suggest that the streamer velocity is patently affected by the gap distance with a significant dependence on the HCl concentration in the gas mixture.