DBD Plasma Jet Research Articles

Impact of DBD Plasma Jet Treatment on the Enamel Surface of Primary Teeth

Impact of DBD Plasma Jet Treatment on the Enamel Surface of Primary Teeth

Experimental study on the interaction between induced flow by DBD plasma actuator and jet flow

Experimental study on the interaction between induced flow by DBD plasma actuator and jet flow

Contrasting the characteristics of atmospheric pressure plasma jets operated with single and double dielectric material: physicochemical characteristics and application to bacterial killing

This study reports an experimental comparison of two types of atmospheric pressure plasma jets in terms of their fundamental plasma characteristics and efficacy in bacterial sterilization. The plasma jets are fabricated by inserting a high voltage electrode inside a one-end closed (double DBD plasma jet) or both ends open (single DBD plasma jet) quartz tubes which are further enclosed inside a second quartz tube containing a ground electrode. Both plasma jets are operated in contact with water surface by using a unipolar pulsed DC power supply with helium as the working gas. Results from electrical and time-resolved imaging show that the single DBD configuration induces 3–4 times higher accumulation of charges onto the water surface with significantly faster propagation of plasma bullets. These results are accompanied by the higher discharge intensity as well as stronger emissions from short-lived reactive species which were analyzed through optical emission spectroscopy at the plasma-water interface. The rotational temperature for the single DBD configuration was observed to be higher making it unsafe for direct treatments of sensitive biological targets. These characteristics of the single DBD configuration result in the production of more than two times higher concentration of H2O2 in plasma activated water. Shielding of the HV electrode reduces the plasma potential which in turn reduces the electric field & electron energy at the plasma-water interface. The reduced electric field for the double DBD configuration was lower by ≈463 Td than the single DBD configuration. The bactericidal efficacy of the two configurations of the plasma jets were tested against Escherichia coli, a well studied Gram-negative bacterium that can be commensal and pathogenic in human body. Our results demonstrate that although single DBD plasma jet result in stronger antibacterial effects, the double DBD configuration could be safer.

Surface Modification of Carbon Nanotubes by Ar Plasma Jet

Atmospheric pressure low temperature plasma jet (APPJ) is a technical direction that has attracted much attention in recent years. In this paper, argon is used as the working gas to produce highly active ions through funnel shaped glass tubes to modify the surface of carbon nanotubes. After the carbon nanotubes treated for 4 mins, SEM, water contact angle and FTIR detection results were compared before and after the experiment. The results showed that the hydrophobicity of carbon nanotubes was enhanced and the surface dispersion was improved after DBD plasma jet treatment.

Analysis of a nano-pulsed DBD Plasma jet for endoscopy and impact of excitation parameters

Cold atmospheric plasma induces various dose-dependent effects on living cells, from proliferation to necrosis. These effects are of interest in the field of therapeutic flexible endoscopy, although implementing an effective plasma delivery system represents a technical challenge. This work studies the impact of critical parameters on plume intensity, delivered reactive species (RS), and current administered to the target for the use of plasma in endoscopy. A 2 m long dielectric barrier discharge plasma jet was studied upon nano-pulsed high voltage excitation to increase plasma reactivity. The peak voltage, gas gap, pulse repetition frequency, and pulse width were varied while the power dissipated by the system and the optical emissions (with imaging and spectrometry) were measured. Two configurations were compared: the first one with the plume exiting freely in air, and the second one with the plume impinging an electrical equivalent of the human body. Finally, the current flowing through the capillary was measured at regular intervals along the tube with a Rogowski coil. Results show that (a) a conductive target increases the ratio of RS produced over the dissipated power, (b) increasing the pulse repetition frequency does not improve the RS production per pulse (e.g. through a synergetic, memory effect), (c) increasing the pulse width does not influence RS production but increases the dissipated power, and (d) current linearly leaks through the tube walls, and leaks are lower with nano-pulsed compared to sinusoidal excitation. Reactance and capacitance values of the system are analyzed based on the electrical equivalent circuit approach. Finally, displacement and discharge currents are discussed to bring power dissipation mechanisms to light and compare them between configurations. The conclusions drawn are important for the future design of safe and effective endoscopic plasma devices.

Theoretical-Computational Study of Atmospheric DBD Plasma and Its Utility for Nanoscale Biocompatible Plasmonic Coating.

In this study, time-dependent, one-dimensional modeling of a surface dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) device, driven by a sinusoidal voltage of amplitude 1–3 kV at 20 kHz, in argon is described. An SDBD device with two Cu-stripe electrodes, covered by the quartz dielectric and with the discharge gap of 20 × 10−3 m, was assumed, and the time-dependent, one-dimensional discharge parameters were simulated versus time across the plasma gap. The plasma device simulated in the given arrangement was constructed and used for biocompatible antibacterial/antimicrobial coating of plasmonic particle aerosol and compared with the coating strategy of the DBD plasma jet. Simulation results showed discharge consists of an electrical breakdown, occurring in each half-cycle of the AC voltage with an electron density of 1.4 × 1010 cm−3 and electric field strength of 4.5 × 105 Vm−1. With SDBD, the surface coating comprises spatially distributed particles of mean size 29 (11) nm, while with argon plasma jet, the nanoparticles are aggregated in clusters that are three times larger in size. Both coatings are crystalline and exhibit plasmonic features in the visible spectral region. It is expected that the particle aerosols are collected under the ionic wind, induced by the plasma electric fields, and it is assumed that this follows the dominant charging mechanisms of ions diffusion. The cold plasma strategy is appealing in a sense; it opens new venues at the nanoscale to deal with biomedical and surgical devices in a flexible processing environment.

Generation of non- thermal plasma jet using ZVS Driver with flyback transformer

The DBD plasma jet are generated using ZVS with flyback transformer, The equivalent circuit of ZVS driver was simulated by Multisim program, The data from simulation gave a good agreement with experimental data voltage, power and frequency . Furthermore, the electrical and optical properties of DBD plasma jet are obtained using analytical techniques, and it have been found that the system operates at voltages exceeding 9 kV, frequency 100 kHz and power of 5.67 Watts. Also, the measurement of reactive species produced in non-thermal plasmas NO and NOx with time are investigated. This jet was developed for medical applications and the effects of its emissions on microorganisms.

Variation in guided streamer propagation along a DBD plasma jet by tailoring the applied voltage waveform

Experimental data on the evolution of a helium atmospheric pressure plasma jet driven by two different voltage waveforms are presented. The characteristics of directed ionization waves (guided streamers) were compared for a sinusoidal voltage waveform with a frequency of 52 kHz and a voltage waveform that was formed via the superposition of 41.6 kHz bipolar square pulses and 300 kHz oscillations. With the sinusoidal voltage, two consecutive ionization waves were observed. With a special tailoring voltage, control of the guided streamer propagation in a stepwise mode was achieved. The observed second streamer and the second step of propagation could be regarded as a secondary ionization wave for both voltages. A change in the voltage waveform led to significant variations in the secondary ionization wave formation and streamer parameters. The voltage waveform enabled the number of ionization waves and their propagation to change, which provided the possibility of controlling the plasma parameters of the jet.

Optical and Electrical Characteristics of an Endoscopic DBD Plasma Jet

Optical and Electrical Characteristics of an Endoscopic DBD Plasma Jet

Effect of dielectric and conductive targets on plasma jet behaviour and thin film properties

A double layer DBD plasma jet driven by a pulsed generator is used for SiOx thin film deposition. The effects of dielectric and conductive targets on discharge behavior and film properties are analyzed. Different fraction of N2 is added to the working gas (argon) to modulate film growth rate. The electrical property and optical emission of the plasma jet at different positions are characterized. Film surface morphology, composition and thickness are measured for different targets. The excitation temperature (Texc), vibrational temperature (Tvib) and rotational temperature (Trot) are calculated. The relationship between the discharge behavior and the film properties is studied. Results show that the relative optical emission intensities of Si, O, Ar and N2, as well as Texc, Tvib and Trot are higher for the PMMA target between the high voltage electrode and the grounded electrode (referred to as the H–G region). However, Tvib and Trot appear to be higher on the surface of the copper (conductive) target. The morphology of SiOx film is different: nanoparticles are formed on the PMMA (dielectric) target while dense amorphous film is formed on the copper target. With the same depositing parameters, the thickness of the SiOx film is higher on the copper target. The presence of PMMA at the downstream of the plasma can be considered as a small capacitor with a large resistance, which inhibits the current into the primary circuit passing through the H–G region. Although the presence of a dielectric target enhances the discharge in the H–G region, the charge accumulation on the PMMA surface limits the film growth. These results may contribute to the development of next-generation plasma surface modification technologies for diverse applications in electronics, material synthesis and other related areas.

Effects of atmospheric pressure plasma jet operating with DBD on Lavatera thuringiaca L. seeds' germination.

The paper presents the results of an experiment on the effect of pre-sowing stimulation of seeds with atmospheric pressure plasma jet operating with dielectric barrier discharge (DBD plasma jet) on the process of germination of Thuringian Mallow (Lavatera thuringiaca L.). Five groups of seeds characterized by a different exposure times (1, 2, 5, 10 and 15 minutes) as well as untreated seeds—control were used. Pre-sowing plasma stimulation of seeds improved germination parameters such as: germination capacity and germination energy for all tested groups relative to control. The highest germination parameters were obtained for seeds stimulated with plasma for the exposure times of 2 and 5 min. The analysis of the contact surface angle indicated the decrease of its’ mean values upon seed stimulation while no statistical effects were observed. Analysis of the SEM scans revealed the increase in seed pattern intensity which could be attributed to removing of the surface parts of cuticle possibly covered with wax upon short time—2 and 5 min plasma treatment. Such a phenomenon can act similarly to mechanical scarification of seeds. Longer exposure of seeds to plasma resulted in affecting the deeper zone of cuticle and damage or fracture of some parts of the cuticle. Lower germination parameters of seeds upon longer exposure times to plasma may indicate mechanical damage of the seeds.

Optical characteristics of a RF DBD plasma jet in various $$\hbox {Ar}/\hbox {O}_{2}$$ Ar / O 2 mixtures

In this paper, using the optical emission spectroscopy (OES) technique, the optical characteristics of a radiofrequency (RF) plasma jet are examined. The $$\hbox {Ar}/\hbox {O}_{2}$$ mixture is taken as the operational gas and, the Ar percentage in the $$\hbox {Ar}/\hbox {O}_{2}$$ mixture is varied from 70% to 95%. Using the optical emission spectrum analysis of the RF plasma jet, the excitation temperature is determined based on the Boltzmann plot method. The electron density in the plasma medium of the RF plasma jet is obtained by the Stark broadening of the hydrogen Balmer $$H_{\beta }$$ . It is mostly seen that, the radiation intensity of Ar 4p $$\rightarrow $$ 4s transitions at higher argon contributions in $$\hbox {Ar}/\hbox {O}_{2}$$ mixture is higher. It is found that, at higher Ar percentages, the emission intensities from atomic oxygen (O) are higher and, the line intensities from the argon atoms and ions including O atoms linearly increase. It is observed that the quenching of $$\hbox {Ar}^{*}$$ with $$\hbox {O}_{2}$$ results in higher O species with respect to $$\hbox {O}_{2}$$ molecules. In addition, at higher percentages of Ar in the $$\hbox {Ar}/\hbox {O}_{2}$$ mixture, while the excitation temperature is decreased, the electron density is increased.

A pulsed plasma jet with the various Ar/N2 mixtures

In this paper, using the Optical Emission Spectroscopy technique, the physical properties of a fabricated pulsed DBD plasma jet are studied. Ar/N2 gaseous mixture is taken as operational gas, and Ar contribution in Ar/N2 mixture is varied from 75 to 95%. Through the optical emission spectra analysis of the pulsed DBD plasma jet, the rotational, vibrational and excitation temperatures and density of electrons in plasma medium of the pulsed plasma jet are obtained. It is seen that, at the wavelength of 750.38 nm, the radiation intensity from the Ar 4p → 4 s transition increases at the higher Ar contributions in Ar/N2 mixture. It is found that, for 95% of Ar presence in the mixture, the emission intensities from argon and molecular nitrogen are higher, and the emission line intensities will increase nonlinearly. In addition, it is observed that the quenching of Ar* by N2 results in the higher intensities of N2 excited molecules. Moreover, at the higher percentages of Ar in Ar/N2 mixture, while all the plasma temperatures are increased, the plasma electron density is reduced.

The shape of DBD plasma jet striking into the static and quickly moving dielectric and metallic substrate

In the case of motionless ambient air, the quickly moving surface involves in the movement the gas adjoining to a surface. This gas-dynamic wall effect can influence both the shape of plasma jet interacting with the moving substrate and the efficiency of plasma modification of the surface to be treated. The issue mentioned above has been studied by an example of the DBD plasma jet striking into the static and fast moving dielectric and metallic substrate. The discs of acrylic plastic and aluminum were used as the static and quickly rotating substrates. The experiments were performed with He and Ar plasma jets generated by sinusoidal DBD operating at atmospheric pressure. It is proved that the change of the shape of plasma jet at the place of its striking into a moving dielectric and metal substrate happens due to the dragging of air by the fast moving surface.

Development and characterization of a multi-electrode cold atmospheric pressure DBD plasma jet aiming plasma application

A novel APP jet was developed and extensively characterized using optical and electrical diagnostics to establish its capability for applications.

Polymerization of acrylic acid using atmospheric pressure DBD plasma jet

In this paper polymerization of acrylic acid was performed using non thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet technology. The goal of this study is to deposit organic functional coatings for biomedical applications using a low cost and rapid growth rate plasma jet technique. The monomer solution of acrylic acid was vaporized and then fed into the argon plasma for coating. The discharge was powered using a laboratory made power supply operating with sinusoidal voltage signals at a frequency of 10 kHz. The optical emission spectra were collected in order to get insight into the plasma chemistry during deposition process. The coatings were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and growth rates analysis. A high retention of carboxylic functional groups of the monomer was observed at the surface deposited using this low power technique.

Electrical and Spectroscopic Diagnostics of Atmospheric Pressure DBD Plasma Jet

Atmospheric pressure capillary dielectric barrier oxygen discharge plasma jet is developed to generate nonthermal plasma using unipolar positive pulse power supply. Both electrical and optical diagnostic techniques were used to characterize the produced plasma as functions of applied voltage and gas flow rate. Electrical diagnostics indicated that the discharge frequency decreased with gas flow rate but increased with the applied voltage. Analytical results obtained from the optical emission spectroscopic data revealed the gas temperature, excitation temperature and electron density. Gas temperature was found to decrease with increasing oxygen flow rate but increase linearly with applied voltage. The produced plasma was applied preliminarily to study the inactivation yield of Fusarium oxysporum fungus infected potato samples.Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 40, No. 1, 23-36, 2016

High-repetition rate laser ablation coupled to dielectric barrier discharge postionization for ambient mass spectrometry

Most ambient sample introduction and ionization techniques for native mass spectrometry are highly selective for polar agents. To achieve a more general sensitivity for a wider range of target analytes, a novel laser ablation dielectric barrier discharge (LA DBD) ionization scheme was developed. The approach employs a two-step mechanism with subsequent sample desorption and post-ionization. Effective ablation was achieved by the second harmonic output (λ=532nm) of a diode pumped Nd:YVO4 laser operating at a high-repetition rate of several kHz and pulse energies below 100μJ. The ejected analyte-containing aerosol was consecutively vaporized and ionized in the afterglow of a DBD plasma jet. Depending on their proton affinity the superexcited helium species in this afterglow produced analyte ions as protonated and ammoniated species, as well as radical cations. The optimization procedure could corroborate underlying conceptual consideration on the ablation, desorption and ionization mechanisms. A successful detection of a variety of target molecules could be shown from the pharmaceutical ibuprofen, urea, the amino acids l-arginine, l-lysine, the polymer polyethylene glycol, the organometallic compound ferrocene and the technical mixture wild mint oil. For a reliable evaluation of the introduced detection procedure spectra from the naturally abundant alkaloid capsaicin in dried capsicum fruits were recorded.

An experimental study on the influence of trace impurities on ionization of atmospheric noble gas dielectric barrier discharges.

While the influence of trace impurities in noble gas discharges is well established in theoretical work, experimental approaches are difficult. Particularly the effects of trace concentrations of N2 on He discharges are complicated to investigate due to the fact that for He 5.0 the purity of He is only 99.999%. This corresponds to a residual concentration of 10 ppm, thereof 3 ppm of N2, in He. Matters are made difficult by the fact that He DBD plasmajets are normally operated under an ambient atmosphere, which has a high abundance of N2. This work tackles these problems from two sides. The first approach is to operate a DBD plasmajet under a quasi-controlled He atmosphere, therefore diminishing the effect of atmospheric N2 and making a defined contamination with N2 possible. The second approach is using Ar as the operating gas and introducing propane (C3H8) as a suitable substitute impurity like N2 in He. As will be shown both discharges in either He or Ar, with their respective impurity show the same qualitative behaviour.

Critical evaluation of non-thermal plasma as an innovative accelerated lipid oxidation technique in fish oil

Food products enriched with healthier unsaturated fatty acids are more sensitive to lipid oxidation, leading to an overall quality deterioration and the development of unwanted aroma properties. To evaluate the oxidative stability a wide range of techniques has been described in literature, of which most are thermally based. These unrealistic test conditions result in the induction of deviating oxidation chemistry compared to that observed during ambient storage. Non-thermal plasma technology is capable to generate a wide range of highly reactive oxidative species (e.g. atomic oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen) while maintaining ambient temperatures. For the first time, a DBD-plasma jet (Ar/0.6% O2) is used on fish oil samples as a faster and more realistic accelerated lipid oxidation method. This paper critically evaluates both a thermal as a non-thermal plasma based accelerated oxidation protocol using naturally aged fish oil as reference. Experiments were done using both virgin, as alpha-tocopherol-enriched fish oil samples. Secondary lipid oxidation volatiles were measured using HS-SPME–GC–MS. Both accelerated oxidation techniques induced the formation of typical lipid oxidation markers (e.g. 2-propenal, (E)-2-pentenal, heptanal), however in both cases significant differences were observed compared to the naturally aged fish oil. On the other side, non-thermal plasma correctly predicted an antioxidative effect when 1000μg/g alpha-tocopherol was added to the fish oil, while thermally based tests resulted in the induction of prooxidative chemistry. Despite the differences with naturally aged fish oil, several non-thermal plasma characteristics (reactor configuration, gas feed mixture, power source, …) can be fine-tuned to evolve towards a technology that is capable to accelerate lipid oxidation in a highly realistic manner.