Microplasma generator and methods therefor
A low-temperature, atmospheric-pressure microplasma generator comprises at least one strip of metal on a dielectric substrate. A first end of the strip is connected to a ground plane and the second end of the strip is adjacent to a grounded electrode, with a gap being defined between the second end of the strip and the grounded electrode. High frequency power is supplied to the strip. The frequency is selected so that the length of the strip is an odd integer multiple of 1/4 of the wavelength traveling on the strip. A microplasma forms in the gap between the second end of the strip and the grounded electrode due to electric fields in that region. A microplasma generator array comprises a plurality of strongly-coupled resonant strips in close proximity to one another. At least one of the strips has an input for high-frequency electrical power. The remaining strips resonate due to coupling from the at least one powered strip. The array can provide a continuous line or ring of plasma. The microplasma generator can be used to alter the surface of a substrate, such as by adding material (deposition), removal of material (etching), or modifying surface chemistry.
- Research Organization:
- Trustees of Tufts College, Medford, MA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- SC0001923
- Assignee:
- Trustees of Tufts College (Medford, MA)
- Patent Number(s):
- 9,006,972
- Application Number:
- 13/266,396
- OSTI ID:
- 1178001
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 2010 Nov 11
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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