Generation of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma by diffusive and constricted discharges in air and nitrogen at the rest and flow

Abstract

Main subject of this paper is low current atmospheric pressure gas discharges powering with DC power supplies. These discharges are widely used for generation of non-thermal or non-equilibrium plasma in air and nitrogen which are much cheaper compared to rare gases like He or Ar. Molecular nitrogen as plasma forming gas has a unique capability to accumulate huge energy in vibration, electron (metastables) and dissociated (atomic) states. Besides, all active species have a long life-time, and they can be therefore transported for a long distance away from the place of their generation. Different current modes (diffusive and constricted) of these discharges are discussed. Experimental and numerical results on generation of chemically active species in the diffusive and constricted mode are presented.