Shaping a Decoupled Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma With Antenna Structures, Maxwell's Equations, and Boundary Conditions

• Published in: IEEE transactions on plasma science 2024-04, Vol.52 (4), p.1218-1226
• Main Authors: Turdumamatov, Samat, Belda, Aljoscha, Heuermann, Holger
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-D printing; Air plasma; Alternative energy sources; Antennas; Argon; Argon plasma; Atmospheric modeling; Boundary conditions; Cavity resonators; Electric fields; Energy efficiency; furnace; fusion; hot S-parameter; Ignition; Impedance matching; Maxwell's equations; Microwave antennas; Microwave plasmas; mode converter; Monopole antennas; Parameters; Plasma; plasma antenna; plasma forming; plasma modeling; plasma shaping; plasma treatment; Plasmas; Power management; resonant cavity; spectroscopy; surface cleaning; surface coating; Surface temperature; welding
• ISSN: 0093-3813; 1939-9375
• DOI: 10.1109/TPS.2024.3383589

This article addresses the need for an innovative technique in plasma shaping, utilizing antenna structures, Maxwell's laws, and boundary conditions within a shielded environment. The motivation lies in exploring a novel approach to efficiently generate high-energy density plasma with potential applications across various fields. Implemented in an E01 circular cavity resonator, the proposed method involves the use of an impedance and field matching device with a coaxial connector and a specially optimized monopole antenna. This setup feeds a low-loss cavity resonator, resulting in a high-energy density air plasma with a surface temperature exceeding 3500~{^{\text {o}}} C, achieved with a minimal power input of 80 W. The argon plasma, resembling the shape of a simple monopole antenna with modeled complex dielectric values, offers a more energy-efficient alternative compared to traditional, power-intensive plasma shaping methods. Simulations using a commercial electromagnetic (EM) solver validate the design's effectiveness, while experimental validation underscores the method's feasibility and practical implementation. Analyzing various parameters in an argon atmosphere, including hot S-parameters and plasma beam images, the results demonstrate the successful application of this technique, suggesting its potential in coating, furnace technology, fusion, and spectroscopy applications.