Long-living plasmoids generation by high-voltage discharge through thin conducting layers

A new type of pulse high voltage electric discharge through a thin conducting layer on the surface of glass plate has been investigated. The afterglow plasma of this discharge forms quasi-spherical object with a lifetime about 0.2-0.3 s. Electric properties of the objects were studied by electric probe method. Measurements of plasma radiation spectra kinetics at visible and near ultraviolet spectral ranges have been carried out. Comparative analysis of the physical properties of the plasmoids appearing in this discharges and of ones generated via thin metal wires burning is given. Possible mechanism of the plasma metastability are discussed.