An experimental characterization of the properties of asymmetric surface dielectric barrier discharges used as plasma actuators was performed. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to measure the radiated power and some plasma parameters such as the electron and vibrational temperature. Electrical characterization of the discharge was executed by recording individual current pulses with high temporal resolution, and collecting a large dataset of these events. Statistical analysis performed on them allowed one to correlate microdischarge (MD) properties with the voltage phase and to spot differences arising from the actual breakdown mechanism in such asymmetric configurations. In particular, the asymmetry between the two different half-cycles of the discharges was characterized, and it was found that it directly influences plasma actuator efficiency. Differences arising in the multiplicity, amplitude and temporal duration of the MDs were investigated. Some effects connected with the dielectric material and high voltage supply properties were evaluated and correlated with the induced velocity provided by the plasma actuators.

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