A steady-state one atmosphere uniform DC glow discharge plasma

Conference · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999

OSTI ID:20067626

Alexeff, I; Laroussi, M; Kang, W L; Alikafesh, A

The authors have produced a one-atmosphere DC glow discharge plasma with a density (so far) of 10{sup 11}/cm{sup 3}. The basic discovery is twofold: First, they have found a theorem that shows that any complex AC geometry containing materials of varying dielectric constant can be replaced by a DC system containing materials of varying electrical conductivity. the geometries of the electric field lines are identical, as long as the varying permittivity in the AC system is matched by the varying conductivity in the DC system: Second, they have found a suitable electrode material for the DC case that replaces the dielectric-coated metal electrodes for the AC case. This new electrode material is inexpensive and robust. This new electrode material is presently proprietary (a patent is pending), but is to be discussed at ICOPS. in addition, they intend to present photographs of the apparatus in operation, as well as samples of the new electrode material. The advantages of a DC system over an AC system are that it is less expensive and more efficient, as no RF power supply is necessary. Actually. 60 Hz line power can also be used, and a simple neon sign transformer suffices for experimental work. This plasma can be used for chemical and biological decontamination, as well as surface modification.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (US)
• OSTI ID: 20067626
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
COST
DC SYSTEMS
ELECTRODES
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
GLOW DISCHARGES
INDUSTRY
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA PRODUCTION
USES