Spiral Conductor Plasma Generator Resonance Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack an efficient and versatile method for generating plasma across a wide range of applications, including sensing, antenna, and lighting, that can be easily tuned and controlled.
Innovation Solution
A plasma generator utilizing spiral electrical conductors with inductance and capacitance, positioned in parallel planes with a dielectric material in between, which resonates in a time-varying electromagnetic field to generate a harmonic electromagnetic field response and produce plasma when energized by a voltage source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional plasma generation methods are used, then plasma can be generated, but the method lacks efficiency and versatility across different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral conductor design serves multiple functions: it generates electromagnetic fields, creates plasma, and can be configured for different applications (sensing, antenna, lighting, thermal control). The same basic structure adapts to various uses by changing parameters like spiral dimensions, conductor material, and operating frequency, eliminating the need for different specialized devices for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves versatility through parameter adjustments including spiral conductor dimensions (radius, number of turns), conductor material properties, dielectric material selection, and operating frequency. By changing these parameters, the same device structure can be optimized for different applications such as sensing, antenna, lighting, or thermal control without requiring fundamentally different device architectures.
2Ease of operation
If plasma generation is achieved through ionization, then plasma can be produced, but control over plasma characteristics and frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral conductors are designed to resonate at specific frequencies, creating dynamic electromagnetic fields that can be tuned by adjusting the operating frequency. This resonant behavior provides dynamic control over plasma characteristics, allowing operators to optimize plasma density, temperature, and distribution by varying the frequency and voltage applied to the spiral conductors.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant frequency of the spiral conductors provides a natural feedback mechanism that stabilizes plasma generation. When the operating frequency matches the resonant frequency of the spiral structure, maximum electromagnetic field strength is achieved, automatically optimizing plasma production. This resonant feedback ensures consistent and reliable plasma generation across varying conditions.
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 generator provides a tunable and reconfigurable plasma source suitable for various applications, enabling control over plasma characteristics and frequency, allowing for adaptable use in sensing, antenna, and lighting applications, as well as potential for thermal and flow control.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrical conductor so-shaped has inductance and capacitance wherein, in the presence of a time-varying electromagnetic field, the first electrical conductor so-shaped resonates to generate a harmonic electromagnetic field response
Implementation Method 2
the first electrical conductor so-shaped has inductance and capacitance wherein, in the presence of a time-varying electromagnetic field, the first electrical conductor so-shaped resonates to generate a harmonic electromagnetic field response
Implementation Method 3
A voltage source coupled across the first electrical conductor and second electrical conductor applies a voltage sufficient to generate a plasma in at least a portion of the dielectric material
Implementation Method 4
A voltage source coupled across the first electrical conductor and second electrical conductor applies a voltage sufficient to generate a plasma in at least a portion of the dielectric material
Data Source
AI summary
A plasma generator includes a pair of identical spiraled electrical conductors separated by dielectric material. Both spiraled conductors have inductance and capacitance wherein, in the presence of a time-varying electromagnetic field, the spiraled conductors resonate to generate a harmonic electromagnetic field response. The spiraled conductors lie in parallel planes and partially overlap one another in a direction perpendicular to the parallel planes. The geometric centers of the spiraled conductors define endpoints of a line that is non-perpendicular with respect to the parallel planes. A voltage source coupled across the spiraled conductors applies a voltage sufficient to generate a plasma in at least a portion of the dielectric material.