Planar Device and Method for Generating a Plasma or Reactive Species

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a compact, flat (planar) device and associated methods for generating plasma and reactive chemical species at a reduced (sub-atmospheric) pressure. The plasma is produced inside a discharge chamber or channel located between two parallel planes, and a nozzle is used to create a negative pressure environment, allowing efficient plasma ignition at lower voltages and producing specific reactive molecules (such as nitrogen oxides or hydrogen peroxide). This device can be miniaturized and integrated into portable or handheld units, making it easier to generate reactive species directly at the location where they are needed (such as on surfaces or in liquids for decontamination and sterilization).

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Sterilizing or disinfecting medical instruments, surfaces, or hands in healthcare settings.
• Decontamination of rooms, laboratory equipment, or food surfaces to reduce pathogens.
• Integration into portable or handheld sterilization devices for fieldwork or point-of-care use.
• Water or air purification through plasma-mediated generation of reactive species.
• Treatment of liquids for microbial inactivation in industrial, food, or pharmaceutical processing.
• Laboratory research requiring on-site generation of short-lived reactive chemical species for analysis or chemical synthesis.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Reduced size and weight compared to traditional plasma generators, improving portability and ease of use.
• Lower power requirements and reduced ozone production by operating at reduced pressure.
• Generation of reactive species directly at the application site, which is critical for short-lived chemicals.
• Cost-effective manufacturing with modular and planar design, allowing for mass production and simple assembly.
• Enhanced safety, as plasma generation is self-limited if the pressure rises unexpectedly.
• Flexible integration into both stationary and handheld devices, broadening application possibilities.
• Optimized generation of specific reactive species (such as NOx or hydrogen peroxide) by tuning discharge conditions, increasing disinfection efficacy.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for generating a plasma (180) and/ or reactive species comprising at least one discharge chamber (400) for generating a plasma (180) and at least one nozzle (130) for generating a negative pressure, particularly between 10 mbar and 900 mbar, in the at least one discharge chamber (400), or at least one discharge channel (500), wherein the at least one discharge channel (500) is adapted to generate a plasma (180) and a negative pressure, particularly between 10 mbar and 900 mbar, wherein the at least one discharge chamber (400) and the at least one nozzle (130) or the at least one discharge channel (500) extend between a first plane and a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are parallel. The invention further relates to a method for generating a plasma (180) and a method for generating a reactive species.