Evolution of N-2(A(3)Sigma(+)(u)) in streamer discharges: influence of oxygen admixtures on formation of low vibrational levels

The formation of N-2(A(3)Sigma(+)(u)) metastable species, produced by cathode-directed streamer discharge, was investigated using the technique of laser-induced fluorescence. A triggered single streamer filament was periodically produced in pure nitrogen (and in nitrogen with admixtures of oxygen) at total pressure of 50 Torr and metastable species were monitored during the streamer channel decay in the centre of the discharge gap.