Research on the formation of nanocavities with the subsequent formation and multiplication of electrons in water using laser-based diagnostics Project ID: GA2410903S Provider: Grant Agency of the Academy of Sciences Period: Jan 01, 2024 - Dec 31, 2026 Principal Investigator: RNDr. Milan Šimek, Ph.D. Co-investigators V. Prukner, P. Hoffer, J. Schmidt, P. Bílek, G. Arora Aims of the project: In the context of nanosecond electrical discharges in dielectric liquids, it is assumed that the initial cavitation is caused by the electrostrictive stress due to the pulsed inhomogeneous electric field. Theory predicts that the conditions for electron multiplication are created in nanocavities, which form in the H-bonded matrix of H2O molecules due to electrostrictive forces. Unequivocal experimental confirmation of nanocavity-mediated plasma generation mechanism has not yet been reported. Experimental verification was not possible mainly due to the insufficient spatiotemporal resolution used in the experiments and the methodology based on the periodic discharge systems. In our recent works, we have demonstrated that sub-nanosecond time resolution and micron spatial resolution used with carefully degassed liquid provides a way to resolve key phases in discharge development and enables further advanced experiments. Within this project, we intend to provide substantial experimental evidence to confirm event. disprove the nanovoid-based theory.