Plasma Sheet Source for Uniform Large-Area Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atmospheric pressure plasma technologies, such as plasma jets, have limited effective treatment areas due to their small diameter and produce non-uniform surfaces when used in arrays, leading to discontinuous plasma production and heterogeneity in specimen treatment.
Innovation Solution
A plasma sheet source is developed, utilizing a gas inlet and a dielectric-coated electrode with a conductive core to generate a continuous plasma sheet at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, allowing for larger and more uniform treatment areas by directing gas through channels to create a plasma sheet output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If plasma jets with small diameter are used, then the device structure is simple, but the treatment area is limited and surface uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional plasma jets to a two-dimensional plasma sheet by configuring the electrode and gas flow channels in a planar arrangement. The electrode is positioned within a channel structure that directs gas flow across its surface, creating an extended plasma sheet that covers a larger area while maintaining structural simplicity through this dimensional transformation.
2Area of stationary object
If arrays of plasma jets are used to expand treatment area, then the treatment area increases, but the plasma production becomes discontinuous and surface uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple plasma jet functions into a single continuous plasma sheet by integrating the electrode within a gas flow channel structure. This consolidation creates a unified plasma source that provides continuous, uniform plasma coverage across the treatment area, eliminating the discontinuities and heterogeneity inherent in jet arrays while maintaining expanded treatment capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If continuous plasma sheet is produced, then the treatment area is expanded and uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin-film or planar channel structure that guides gas flow across the electrode surface to generate the plasma sheet. This approach achieves continuous, uniform plasma production through a relatively simple planar geometry rather than complex three-dimensional structures, maintaining ease of fabrication while delivering improved plasma uniformity and expanded treatment area.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The plasma sheet source enables uniform treatment of larger areas with a single device powered by a single power source, maintaining plasma at or near room temperature, making it compatible with biological specimens and improving treatment efficiency compared to traditional plasma jet arrays.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode with a conductive core covered with a dielectric material, and the electrode is configured to generate an electrical field
Implementation Method 2
the electrical field converts the gas to a plasma sheet output from the elongated outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally directed to a plasma sheet source and methods of using same. The plasma sheet source includes a cylindrical electrode having a conductive cylindrical core surrounded by a dielectric material, a plurality of channels configured to direct gas from a gas inlet to the electrode, and a plasma outlet positioned below the electrode. Gas is introduced to the plasma sheet source and directed toward the electrode, which when powered by pulsed direct current, produces plasma as the gas ionizes. The produced plasma is then directed out of the plasma outlet to a specimen for treatment of the specimen. Notably, the plasma exiting the plasma outlet is in the form of a plasma sheet that is at approximately room temperature.