Breakdown conditions of a multi-electrode low temperature atmospheric pressure plasma source

• Published in: Physica scripta 2025-02, Vol.100 (2), p.25603
• Main Authors: Gillies, R M, Tompkins, J, McKay, K
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0031-8949; 1402-4896
• DOI: 10.1088/1402-4896/ada594

Low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma jets are generally small in scale (∼few mm) and often require high-breakdown voltages and high value gases to operate. This study investigates the advantageous properties of a novel multi-electrode jet-like source with separately powered (180° phase-shifted) live electrodes, namely significantly reduced breakdown voltage, increased operating voltage range and higher gas admixture capabilities. Gas breakdown voltage trends are demonstrated across multiple physical parameters, including tube diameter, electrode spacing and frequency. The potential uses of a safer, more practical discharge system are highlighted, as well as the conditions across the 3 kHz–30 kHz range under which plasma parameters are varied. An electrical analysis was also performed to provide a better understanding of the plasma characteristics beyond that of gas breakdown, specifically that of potential mode transitions that have not been taken into account in prior works.