Generation of ultrahigh frequency air microplasma in a magnetic loop and effects of pulse modulation on operation

An atmospheric pressure air microplasma (APAMP) source was developed under ambient conditions using a magnetic loop at an operating frequency of 740 MHz. A self-igniting, stable APAMP was generated at 9.5 W. Pulse modulation (PM) was applied to the ultra high frequency signal. The effects of PM on self-ignition and operation of the APAMP source were studied by using a square wave modulating signal in the frequency range of 5-30 KHz. With the application of PM on the APAMP, in the best case, the plasma self-ignites and is sustained at 2.5 W. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3429093]