Dielectric barrier discharge device

Abstract

A dielectric barrier discharge device in which uniformity of the light irradiation energy density is achieved, even if dielectric barrier discharge lamps have variations with respect to the lamp material and the processing. The dielectric barrier discharge device has at least one dielectric barrier discharge lamps and a feeder device for applying an AC high voltage to the electrodes of the dielectric barrier discharge lamp, the dielectric barrier discharge lamp having a discharge gas-filled discharge gap which produces excimer molecules by a dielectric barrier discharge and one dielectric between at least one of the electrodes and the discharge gap for inducing the discharge phenomenon in the discharge gas. Uniformity of the light irradiation energy density is achieved is achieved in this dielectric barrier discharge device by the feeder device applying the AC high voltage such that an operating state for time interval (Ta) in which in the dielectric barrier discharge lamp produce a discharge emission is repeatedly alternated with an operating state for a time interval (Tb) in which essentially no discharge is produced, or in which a lower voltage is applied within a range that is only sufficient to maintain discharge in the dielectric barrier discharge lamps.