Multi Frequency Atmospheric Plasma Generating Device

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

This invention describes a device capable of generating atmospheric plasma (specifically, plasma jets) at multiple radio frequencies. Key to the design is an impedance-matching electrical component (particularly a coil) inside an enclosure, connecting a radiofrequency power supply to the plasma source. The enclosure perturbs the electromagnetic field so that the device can efficiently generate plasma over a range of frequencies, allowing for precise control of the plasma characteristics. The device generates plasma by applying radiofrequency voltages to electrodes in the presence of gas (such as helium, argon, oxygen, or nitrogen mixtures), and the properties of the plasma (like the reactive species produced) can be adjusted by selecting or mixing different frequencies.

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

• Medical treatments using atmospheric plasma jets (e.g., wound healing, sterilization, antimicrobial therapy)
• Plasma-based surface modification and cleaning in the electronics or automotive industries
• Diagnostics or analytical chemistry applications using controlled plasma jets
• Biological and environmental sterilization (e.g., disinfection of surfaces or water)
• Phase-resolved plasma spectroscopy for research and quality control
• Selective control of plasma chemistry for material processing or synthesis

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Ability to generate stable plasma jets at multiple frequencies for flexible applications
• Precise control over plasma properties by adjusting frequency and amplitude, allowing tailored generation of reactive species
• Increased versatility—one device can be optimized for various gases and multiple use-cases without hardware modification
• Efficient impedance matching at different frequencies results in higher energy transfer and stable plasma generation
• Potential to enhance treatment selectivity (e.g., maximizing antibacterial effect while minimizing impact on healthy tissue)
• Improved diagnostic capabilities due to phase-resolved emission and frequency-selective plasma dynamics

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for generating a plasma, particularly an atmospheric plasma, comprising: a plasma source (100) having a first electrode (101) and optionally a second electrode (102) being arranged opposite the first electrode (101), and a volume (or channel) (103) arranged adjacent the first electrode (101) for receiving a gas (G), and at least one radiofrequency power supply (200) in electrical contact with said first electrode (101) for applying a radiofrequency voltage (V) thereto,. According to the invention, said at least one power supply (200) is in electrical contact with said first electrode (101) via an electrical component, particularly a coil (300), which component (300) provides an impedance for matching the impedance of the plasma source (100) to the impedance of the power supply (200), wherein said component (300) is arranged in an enclosure (400), which enclosure (400) encloses said component (300) and is designed to perturb an electromagnetic field generated by said component (300) in a manner that said impedance of the component (300) changes with the frequency of said voltage (V) such that the impedance of the plasma source (100) is adapted to the impedance of the power supply (200) for a plurality of different operating frequencies (f o ) of said voltage (V), wherein said operating frequencies (f o ) permit generating a plasma out of said gas (G) in said volume (or channel) (103) when said voltage (V) having the respective operating frequency (f o ) is applied to the first electrode (101). Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for generating a plasma.