A (r)evolutionary concept for low voltage plasma generation at atmospheric pressure

Abstract

Summary form only given. A new and innovative concept for atmospheric pressure, low voltage plasma generation was presented recently. Different structures based on piezoelectric ceramics are proposed. All of them can directly be driven by low voltage (some 10 volts typically) at low frequency (typically some 10 kHz). This is very advantageous because of safety reasons as well as simple and cheap power supply systems. This technology has the potential becoming a bulk product e.g. in medical and handyman applications. The touch of plasma and plasma source is not harmful, because the electrical energy is distributed uniformly in the whole structure. Thus, the local electrical potential breaks down immediately and there is no risk for electrical shock. First prototypes are constructed successfully. However, technical challenges remain. For the functionality of these structures, the generation of a complex distribution of remanent polarization is necessary. This process is called poling. Only very simple methods are known from literature, so far. They are inappropriate for the presented structures and new poling techniques have been developed. Some will be presented and discussed in detail. Another challenge is the realization of complex, extended and glued structures needed for up-scaling. First promising results have been achieved and will be presented, too.