Jet Discharge Research Articles

Decay of the electron density and the electron collision frequency between successive discharges of a pulsed plasma jet in N2

The decay of the electron density and electron collision frequency between successive discharges in a pulsed plasma jet in N2 feed gas has been investigated using microwave cavity resonance spectroscopy. The method and analysis were adapted to be able to apply this diagnostic to a pulsed plasma jet at atmospheric pressure. The results are compared to a global model. It is shown that the electron density and effective collision frequency can be measured using this technique from about 1 up to approximately 60 after the discharge, where the former time scale is limited by the response time of the cavity and the latter by the detection limit of the setup. Although the data analysis requires an estimation of the plasma volume, which limits the absolute accuracy of the electron density to its order of magnitude, the measured electron densities are in the same range as those predicted by the global model. Additionally, there is a good qualitative agreement in the electron density decay rate between the measurements and the model. Furthermore, it is inferred from the model that the minimum seed electron density required for repeatable guided streamer discharges in a pulsed plasma jet in N2 feed gas is of the order of 1015 .

Micro-Abrasive Water Jet and Micro-WEDM Process Chain Assessment for Fabricating Microcomponents

The capability to manufacture high-precision components with microscale features is enhanced by the combination of different micromanufacturing processes in a single process chain. This study explores an effective process chain that combines micro-abrasive water jet (μ-AWJ) and microwire electrical discharge machining (μ-WEDM) technologies. An experimental spring component is chosen as a leading test case, since fine geometric features machining and low roughness on the cut walls are required. The advantages deriving from the two technologies combination are discussed in terms of machining time, surface roughness, and feature accuracy. First, the performances of both processes are assessed by experimentation and discussed. Successively, different process chains are conceived for fabricating two test cases with different sizes, displaying some useful indications that can be drawn from this experience.

Mathematical modeling and control for cancer treatment with cold atmospheric plasma jet

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) jet exhibits remarkable properties that trigger cell death in cancer cells. The effect of CAP on cancer cells is influenced by several factors including plasma jet discharge voltages, gas composition and cancer cell type. Consequently in clinics it becomes challenging to plan plasma cancer treatments for a particular cancer types. To address this, we present preliminary results for an in vitro model which includes an optimal feedback control scheme that can adjust treatment conditions based on the actual cancer cell response. Translation to an in vivo model will be the next objective of the presented project. First, a mathematical model is presented for the dynamic response of cancer cells to CAP jets based on experimental data that provide temporal measurements of cancer cell viability after CAP treatments. A differential equation is developed to model the influence of CAP on the viability of two cancer cell lines, U-87 MG and MDA-MB-231, under varying treatment duration and plasma discharge voltages. Subsequently, a control scheme is presented to determine CAP treatment conditions in an optimal fashion by reducing cancer cell viability less than a prescribed goal while minimizing a weighted sum of the treatment duration and the discharge voltage. This is further extended to a model predictive control framework such that a pre-planned CAP treatment schedule is revised according to the actual cancer cell response. The efficacy of the proposed approach is illustrated by numerical simulations based on experimental data.

Flow visualization and mechanisms of three-electrode sliding discharge plasma actuator

The unsteady flow characteristics induced by a three-electrode sliding discharge plasma actuator under different actuation modes were analyzed by ensemble averaged and phase-locked particle image velocimetry. The discharge morphologies, voltage–current waveforms, and particle image velocimetry data in continuous mode were compared to clarify the performance modification mechanism of the pulsed three-electrode sliding discharge. The particle image velocimetry results revealed that deformation of the electromagnetic field around the additional electrode caused by applying a high DC voltage triggers changes in the induced flow field. When the three-electrode sliding discharge plasma actuator is actuated in continuous mode, a strong accelerated wall jet and homogeneous discharge region covering the whole gap between the two exposed electrodes are generated. The large discharge extension mainly results from the accelerated drift of positive ion particles created during the positive half cycle, while negatively ionized particles have a significantly larger impact on the induced velocity production process. In the pulsed mode, when a positive high DC voltage ( VDC = 18 kV) is applied to the additional electrode, both the size and magnitude of the induced vortex structures increase, and highly accelerated regions are periodically generated. When V DC = −18 kV, the induced velocity field evens out, the accelerated region becomes less obvious, the intensity of both the primary and secondary vortices decreases, and the vortex structure dissipates faster, owing to the turbulent motion of ionized particles. An additional positive DC component attracts the negatively ionized particles during the negative half cycle, improving the velocity and intensity of the stream-wise vortices, which is very attractive for flow control applications.

Research on the Gas Effect of Octafluorocyclobutane Plasma Jet at Atmospheric Pressure for Silicon Etching

The capacitively coupled radio frequency double-pipe plasma discharge jet is used for the etching process. An argon carrier gas is fed through the atmospheric-pressure plasma source; octafluorocyclobutane (C <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</sub> F <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">8</sub> ) etch gas is injected into the plasma. Etchings were carried out on a crystalline silicon substrate. The etching characteristics are discussed and the etch rate tendency shows the reliance of C <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</sub> F <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">8</sub> gas flow rate and oxygen addition. The optimum etching rate of 7.2 μm/min was obtained at a plasma power level of 100 W and C <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</sub> F <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">8</sub> gas flow rate was 250 sccm. From surface profile detection, it displays the etch profile under this atmospheric-pressure plasma jet treatment. This plasma technique could offer a breakthrough for chamber-free dry etching processing.

Primary and secondary discharges in an atmospheric pressure plasma jet fed with helium and tetrafluoromethane mixtures

The primary and secondary discharge phenomenon in an atmospheric pressure plasma jet fed with helium and tetrafluoromethane (CF4) mixtures is reported in this letter. The two discharges are observed one after the other in discharge current waveforms and nanosecond images. The influence of the gap distance, applied voltage, and CF4 volume fraction on this phenomenon is studied. According to the results, the formation reason and mechanism of the phenomenon are discussed. The primary discharge is quenched by CF4 molecules which have strong electron affinities. The residual species remain in the primary discharge channel, which promote the occurrence of the secondary discharge. In conclusion, the primary and secondary discharges are involved with the processes of discharge quenching and re-ignition.

Cold Plasma as an Innovative Construction Method of Voltammetric Biosensor Based on Laccase.

Development of new, faster methods of biosensor construction is a huge challenge for current science and industry. In this work, biosensor construction was carried out using a new soft plasma polymerization (SPP) method in which a bio-recognition layer of laccase enzyme was polymerized and bonded to a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) substrate under atmospheric pressure with a corona discharge jet. Laccase belongs to the oxidoreductase enzyme group with four copper atoms in its active center. Application of the corona SPP plasma method allows reduction of the time needed for biosensor construction from several hours to minutes. The presented work includes optimization of the laccase bio-recognition layer deposition time, structural studies of the deposited laccase layer, as well as study of the fabricated biosensor applicability for the determination of Rutin in real pharmaceutical samples. This method produces a biosensor with two linear ranges from 0.3 μmol/dm3 to 0.5 μmol/dm3 and from 0.8 μmol/dm3 to 16 μmol/dm3 of Rutin concentration. Results shown in this work indicate that application of the one-step, corona SPP method enables biosensor construction with comparable analytical parameters to biosensors fabricated by conventional, multi-step, wet methods.

Phase-resolved optical emission spectroscopy of a transient plasma created by a low-pressure dielectric barrier discharge jet

A transient plasma created by a low-pressure dielectric-barrier discharge operated with argon was investigated by means of optical emission spectroscopy and imaging. Images of the discharge and emission spectra were recorded with sub-phase resolution and relative densities of excited argon states were obtained. Profiles of densities and electron temperatures were evaluated for the discharge cycle by comparison with results of a collisional-radiative model (CRM). To overcome difficulties in sub-cycle modelling of the important argon 1s states, a combination of the CRM with a density estimation based on radiation-trapping is proposed. Absolute densities of all four 1s states were measured and additionally verified by tunable laser absorption spectroscopy. The presented combination may help to improve optical diagnostics of rare gas plasmas in cases were the dominating processes for the 1s states are not known with sufficient accuracy.

An Experimental Investigation of Convergent Rectangular Surface Jets: Spreading Characteristics of Horizontal Flow over the Bed of Deep and Stagnant Ambient Water

This study simulated the operation of discharge ducts in desalination plants to examine the effects exerted by the convergence and longitudinal slope of discharge channels on the spreading of horizontally flowing convergent and inclined rectangular surface jets over the bed of deep and stagnant ambient water. To this end, a 3.2 × 0.6 × 0.9 m3 flume was used, and rectangular channels with convergence angles of 12.5°, 25°, 45°, and 90° were designed. The used jet fluid was a salt water solution with a concentration of 45 g/L. The channels were activated to discharge jet fluid tangentially at a constant depth of 0.7 m into the ambient water surface. After the experiments, data analysis was carried out through image routing. Results indicated that flow distribution over the bed was circular and elliptical. The relationship between radial distance from the impingement point to the outer boundary of flow and time was determined to a power of 0.45 under discharge conditions without a longitudinal slope and to powers of 0.57 and 0.42 under discharge conditions characterized by an inclined slope. Finally, the spreading coefficients of the jets at average, major, and minor radial distances are 4, 2, and 4.5, respectively.

Laser-induced fluorescence detection of the elusive SiCF free radical.

The SiCF free radical has been spectroscopically identified for the first time. The radical was produced in an electric discharge jet using CF3Si(CH3)3 or CF3SiH3 vapor in high pressure argon as the precursor. The laser-induced fluorescence spectrum of the Ã∑+2-X̃∏2 band system in the 610 - 550 nm region was recorded and the ∏3/22 spin component of the 0-0 band was studied at high resolution. Rotational analysis gave the B values for the combining states, and by fixing the CF bond lengths at ab initio values we obtained r″Si-C=1.6921Å and r'Si-C=1.594(1)Å. The bond lengths correspond to a silicon-carbon double bond in the ground state and an unusual Si-C triple bond in the excited state. Single vibronic level emission spectra yielded the ground state bending and stretching energy levels. These were fitted to a Renner-Teller model that included spin-orbit and limited vibrational anharmonicity effects.

Real-time-capable prediction of temperature and density profiles in a tokamak using RAPTOR and a first-principle-based transport model

The RAPTOR code is a control-oriented core plasma profile simulator with various applications in control design and verification, discharge optimization and real-time plasma simulation. To date, RAPTOR was capable of simulating the evolution of poloidal flux and electron temperature using empirical transport models, and required the user to input assumptions on the other profiles and plasma parameters. We present an extension of the code to simulate the temperature evolution of both ions and electrons, as well as the particle density transport. A proof-of-principle neural-network emulation of the quasilinear gyrokinetic QuaLiKiz transport model is coupled to RAPTOR for the calculation of first-principle-based heat and particle turbulent transport. These extended capabilities are demonstrated in a simulation of a JET discharge. The multi-channel simulation requires ∼0.2 s to simulate 1 second of a JET plasma, corresponding to ∼20 energy confinement times, while predicting experimental profiles within the limits of the transport model. The transport model requires no external inputs except for the boundary condition at the top of the H-mode pedestal. This marks the first time that simultaneous, accurate predictions of Te, Ti and ne have been obtained using a first-principle-based transport code that can run in faster-than-real-time for present-day tokamaks.

Analysis of breakdown property of the composite machining method of abrasive jet and electrical discharge

To improve the machining quality and machining efficiency, the abrasive jet flow is used to replace the conventional electrical discharge dielectric medium, and then the composite machining method of abrasive jet and electrical discharge is proposed. The experimental setup and machining principle of the composite machining method is illustrated. The breakdown property is analysed using the Laplace’s equation and its solution equation of the Gauss’s law in the differential form in the spherical coordinates. The ability limitation of the dispersion phase to weaken the dielectric strength of the electrical discharge machining fluid and the water are calculated, respectively. The conductive abrasive, the air and the Al2O3 non-conductive abrasive could weaken the dielectric strength of the electrical discharge machining fluid to 0.33 times, 0.83 times and 0.55 times, respectively. They could weaken the dielectric strength of the water to 0.33 times, 0.67 times and 0.69 times, respectively. The breakdown characteristics of different dielectric medium used in the composite machining method are analysed based on the calculating results. The water-air-Al2O3 non-conductive abrasive is the working medium with the stable characteristic. The conductive abrasive-air-electrical discharge machining fluid is the working medium with the controllable characteristic.

MHD spectroscopy of JET plasmas with pellets via Alfvén eigenmodes

Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs) are routinely seen in present-day tokamaks and stellarators with energetic particles and they represent an attractive form of MHD spectroscopy that provides valuable information on background plasma and on the energetic particles. Possible use of AEs is assessed for MHD spectroscopy of plasma with high-velocity pellet injection employed for fuelling the plasma core. Diagnostics of temporal evolution of the ablated pellets, as well as physics effects determining the diffusion/relaxation of the post pellet profile are of high importance for validating the pellet models and extrapolating them towards ITER. In this paper, JET discharges with ICRH-driven AEs and pellets launched from outboard and inboard tracks are considered. During the pellet injection, an increase in plasma density on a time scale ≪ 50 ms occurs, and several effects on AEs are observed: (1) frequency of the AEs throughout the pellet injection sweeps down by as much as ~30%, (2) the AE amplitudes increase during the AE frequency sweeping, and (3) spectrum of toroidal mode numbers of the AEs broadens significantly after the pellet injection. The effects observed are interpreted in terms of a rise in plasma density and an enhancement of the mode amplitude resulting from the resonance sweeping during the pellet injection.

Influence of atmospheric pressure plasma jet and diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge treatments on wood surface properties: A comparative study

Beech and larch substrates were successfully treated by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) or a diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge (DCSBD) system. Applying both technologies on wood, more hydrophilic properties were achieved, potentially by the degradation of hydrophobic extractives, the generation of polar functional groups and a modification of surface roughness. Comparing both plasma systems, the hydrophilization effect was stronger using the APPJ. The formation of polar groups on the surface was detected by X–Ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Investigated by scanning electron microscopy, APPJ further showed a more distinct impact on surface morphology compared to DCSBD. Following natural aging, plasma treatment effects such as hydrophilicity were partially reduced and the recovery was more pronounced for larch wood compared to beech.

Silicon etching of difluoromethane atmospheric pressure plasma jet combined with its spectroscopic analysis

A capacitivly coupled radio-frequency double-pipe atmospheric-pressure plasma jet is used for etching. An argon carrier gas is supplied to the plasma discharge jet; and CH2F2 etch gas is inserted into the plasma discharge jet, near the silicon substrate. Silicon etchings rate can be efficiently-controlled by adjusting the feeding etching gas composition and plasma jet operating parameters. The features of silicon etched by the plasma discharge jet are discussed in order to spatially spreading plasma species. Electronic excitation temperature and electron density are detected by increasing plasma power. The etched silicon profile exhibited an anisotropic shape and the etching rate was maximum at the total gas flow rate of 4500 sccm and CH2F2 concentration of 11.1%. An etching rate of 17 µm/min was obtained at a plasma power of 100 W.

Plasma core power exhaust in ELMy H-Mode in JET with ITER-Like Wall

The mitigation of target heat load in future steady state fusion devices will require dissipation of a significant amount of power through radiation. Plasma operations relying on ELMy H-modes could be problematic since ELMs may transport substantial amounts of power to the target without significant dissipation. Therefore, estimation of the average ELM power exhaust from the plasma core is crucial to evaluate the potential limitation on the power dissipation in ELMy H-mode regime. A series of more than 50 Type-I ELMy H-mode discharges in JET with ITER-Like Wall (JET-ILW) with a wide range of conditions has been used here to compare the average ELM power to the average input power. The effect of input power, ELM frequency, plasma current, confinement and radiation on ELM power exhaust has been studied and reported in this paper. Good agreement has been found here with previous studies made in carbon machines. This work suggests that it should not be possible to dissipate more than 70%–80% of the input power in Type-I ELMy H-modes in JET-ILW which is consistent with the maximum radiative fraction found experimentally.

Dielectric barrier discharge and jet type plasma surface modifications of hybrid polymeric poly (ε-caprolactone)/chitosan scaffolds.

In this study, dry air plasma jet and dielectric barrier discharge Ar + O2 or Ar + N2 plasma modifications and their effects on wettability, topography, functionality and biological efficiency of the hybrid polymeric poly (ε-caprolactone)/chitosan scaffolds were reported. The samples treated with Ar + O2 dielectric barrier discharge plasma (80 sccm O2 flow rate, 3-min treatment) or with dry air plasma jet (15-cm nozzle-sample distance, 13-min treatment) had the closest wettability (49.11 ± 1.83 and 53.60 ± 0.95, respectively) to the commercial tissue culture polystyrene used for cell cultivation. Scanning electron microscopy images and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry analysis showed increase in topographical roughness and OH/NH2 functionality, respectively. Increased fluid uptake capacity for the scaffolds treated with Ar + O2 dielectric barrier discharge plasma (73.60% ± 1.78) and dry air plasma jet (72.48% ± 0.75) were also noted. Finally, initial cell attachment as well as seven-day cell viability, growth and proliferation performances were found to be significantly better for both plasma treated scaffolds than for untreated scaffolds.

MULTIFRACTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF AXISYMMETRIC JET TURBULENCE INTENSITY FROM RANS NUMERICAL SIMULATION

A turbulent jet bears diverse physical characteristics that have been unveiled yet. Of particular interest is to analyze the turbulent intensity, which has been a key factor to assess and determine turbulent jet performance since diffusive and mixing conditions are largely dependent on it. Multifractal measures are useful in terms of identifying characteristics of a physical quantity distributed over a spatial domain. This study examines the multifractal exponents of jet turbulence intensities obtained through numerical simulation. We acquired the turbulence intensities from numerical jet discharge experiments, where two types of nozzle geometry were tested based on a Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations. The [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] model and [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] model were used for turbulence closure models. The results showed that the RANS model successfully regenerates transversal velocity profile, which is almost identical to an analytical solution. The RANS model also shows the decay of turbulence intensity in the longitudinal direction but it depends on the outfall nozzle lengths. The result indicates the existence of a common multifractal spectrum for turbulence intensity obtained from numerical simulation. Although the transverse velocity profiles are similar for two different turbulence models, the minimum Lipschitz–Hölder exponent [Formula: see text] and entropy dimension [Formula: see text] are different. These results suggest that the multifractal exponents capture the difference in turbulence structures of hierarchical turbulence intensities produced by different turbulence models.

Relativistic electron kinetic effects on laser diagnostics in burning plasmas

Toroidal interferometry/polarimetry (TIP), poloidal polarimetry (PoPola), and Thomson scattering systems (TS) are major optical diagnostics being designed and developed for ITER. Each of them relies upon a sophisticated quantitative understanding of the electron response to laser light propagating through a burning plasma. Review of the theoretical results for two different applications is presented: interferometry/polarimetry (I/P) and polarization of Thomson scattered light, unified by the importance of relativistic (quadratic in vTe/c) electron kinetic effects. For I/P applications, rigorous analytical results are obtained perturbatively by expansion in powers of the small parameter τ = Te/me c2, where Te is electron temperature and me is electron rest mass. Experimental validation of the analytical models has been made by analyzing data of more than 1200 pulses collected from high-Te JET discharges. Based on this validation the relativistic analytical expressions are included in the error analysis and design projects of the ITER TIP and PoPola systems. The polarization properties of incoherent Thomson scattered light are being examined as a method of Te measurement relevant to ITER operational regimes. The theory is based on Stokes vector transformation and Mueller matrices formalism. The general approach is subdivided into frequency-integrated and frequency-resolved cases. For each of them, the exact analytical relativistic solutions are presented in the form of Mueller matrix elements averaged over the relativistic Maxwellian distribution function. New results related to the detailed verification of the frequency-resolved solutions are reported. The precise analytic expressions provide output much more rapidly than relativistic kinetic numerical codes allowing for direct real-time feedback control of ITER device operation.

Detection and characterization of the tin dihydride (SnH2 and SnD2) molecule in the gas phase.

The SnH2 and SnD2 molecules have been detected for the first time in the gas phase by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and emission spectroscopic techniques through the Ã1B1-X̃1A1 electronic transition. These reactive species were prepared in a pulsed electric discharge jet using (CH3)4Sn or SnH4/SnD4 precursors diluted in high pressure argon. Transitions to the electronic excited state of the jet-cooled molecules were probed with LIF, and the ground state energy levels were measured from single rovibronic level emission spectra. The LIF spectrum of SnD2 afforded sufficient rotational structure to determine the ground and excited state geometries: r0″ = 1.768 Å, θ0″ = 91.0°, r0' = 1.729 Å, θ0' = 122.9°. All of the observed LIF bands show evidence of a rotational-level-dependent predissociation process which rapidly decreases the fluorescence yield and lifetime with increasing rotational angular momentum in each excited vibronic level. This behavior is analogous to that observed in SiH2 and GeH2 and is suggested to lead to the formation of ground state tin atoms and hydrogen molecules.