In this work, we present an experimental and theoretical study of a low frequency, atmospheric plasma-jet discharge in air. Voltage-current characteristics and spectroscopic data were experimentally obtained, and a theoretical model developed to gain information of different aspects of the discharge. The discharge is modeled as a cathode layer with different mechanisms of electron emission and a main discharge channel that includes the most important kinetic reactions and species. From the electric measurements, it is determined that high electric field magnitudes are attained in the main channel, depending on the gas flow rate. Using the voltage-current characteristics as an input, the model allows to determine the plasma state in the discharge, including electron, gas, and molecular nitrogen vibrational temperatures. The model also allows to infer the mechanisms of secondary electron emission that sustain the discharge.
The current and potential applications of atmospheric pressure plasmas in medicine generate an increasing need to develop safe and reliable plasma devices for patient treatment. This paper shows how the estimation of safety risks, the stability of the generated plasma, and the effectiveness in the aimed application can orientate the design process of a specific atmospheric pressure plasma device intended for clinical use. A promising plasma jet device operated with air is optimized, leading to a configuration with a more advanced design that reduces the temperature of the effluent, prevents the material degradation and improves the isolation of the high voltage components. The effects of the plasma jet treatment are investigated by chemical analysis of demineralized water and inactivation tests on E. coli cultures.
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