The results of a study of the electrical characteristics of a pulsed nanosecond discharge in air in the "point-to-plane" discharge gap are presented. For the experimental conditions, a computationaltheoretical analysis of the formation of cathode torches on a pointed cathode was performed. In this case, the development of explosive emission on micro-inhomogeneities is considered as a possible mechanism. Calculations of the time of formation of an explosive emission center are made taking into account the amplification of the electric field strength near natural protrusions of micron size by the field of positive ions formed as a result of gas ionization by field emission electrons. It is shown that the characteristic times of formation of the cathode plume are about 10-15 ns, which agrees satisfactorily with the experimental data.
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