Electron Kinetics in Radio-Frequency Atmospheric-Pressure Microplasmas

F. Iza, J. K. Lee, and M. G. Kong
Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 075004 – Published 16 August 2007

Abstract

The kinetic study of three radio-frequency atmospheric-pressure helium microdischarges indicates that the electron energy probability function is far from equilibrium, and three electron groups with three distinct temperatures are identified. The relative population of electrons in different energy regions is strongly time modulated and differs significantly from values recently reported from fluid analyses. It is also shown that a flux of energetic electrons (ε>5eV) that comprises up to 50% of the total electron flux can reach the electrodes. This energetic electron flux provides a new means of delivering energy to the electrodes and tuning the surface chemistry in atmospheric-pressure discharges. The three electron groups and the engineering of an energetic electron flux might open up a new paradigm in plasma-surface chemistry that has not been considered up until now.

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  • Received 28 February 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.99.075004

©2007 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

F. Iza* and J. K. Lee

  • Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology

M. G. Kong

  • Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Loughborough University

  • *fiza@postech.ac.kr

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Issue

Vol. 99, Iss. 7 — 17 August 2007

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