Corona Discharge

Definition

A corona discharge is a positive or negative electrical discharge created by the ionization of a gas surrounding a conductor, for example, a mineral surface, which occurs when the strength of the electric field exceeds a certain threshold value. A charged plasmais created around the surface generating ions, which dissipate their charge to proximal areas of lower potential or recombine to form neutral molecules. If the ionized region continues to grow instead of quenching, a momentary spark or a continuous arc may result. A neutral atom or molecule of the medium, in a region of strong electric field, may be ionized, for example, by the absorption of a photon, to create a positive ion and a free electron. The electric field around the surface may then separate these charged particles and prevent their recombination. As a result of the acceleration of the electrons, further electron/positive-ion pairs may be created when they collide with other neutral atoms. These then...