Dielectric barrier discharges: progress on plasma sources and on the understanding of regimes and single filaments

Abstract

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) are plasmas generated in configurations with an insulating (dielectric) material between the electrodes which is responsible for a self-pulsing operation. DBDs are a typical example of nonthermal atmospheric or normal pressure gas discharges. Initially used for the generation of ozone, they have opened up many other fields of application. Therefore DBDs are a relevant tool in current plasma technology as well as an object for fundamental studies. Another motivation for further research is the fact that so-called partial discharges in insulated high voltage systems are special types of DBDs. The breakdown processes, the formation of structures, and the role of surface processes are currently under investigation. This review is intended to give an update to the already existing literature on DBDs considering the research and development within the last two decades. The main principles and different modes of discharge generation are summarized. A collection of known as well as special electrode configurations and reactor designs will be presented. This shall demonstrate the different and broad possibilities, but also the similarities and common aspects of devices for different fields of applications explored within the last years. The main part is devoted to the progress on the investigation of different aspects of breakdown and plasma formation with the focus on single filaments or microdischarges. This includes a summary of the current knowledge on the electrical characterization of filamentary DBDs. In particular, the recent new insights on the elementary volume and surface memory mechanisms in these discharges will be discussed. An outlook for the forthcoming challenges on research and development will be given.

Plasma Medicine: A Brief Introduction

“…Gases such helium with admixtures of oxygen or air are usually used. For more information on the working of the DBD see references [61,78,79]. Figure 2 shows a schematic of the DBD and a photograph of a diffuse plasma at atmospheric pressure generated by a DBD.…”

Plasma treatment of polymer powders – from laboratory research to industrial application

“…Dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) enable the generation of non‐thermal (low temperature) plasmas at atmospheric pressure . A dielectric material (e.g., glass, polymer, or ceramic) is typically placed between two electrodes, maintaining a small discharge gap of a few mm.…”

Translation of plasma technology from the lab to the food industry

“…For SBD both electrodes are in direct contact with the barrier with the plasma is formed in the gas at the exposed surface electrode. [37] Recent scale-up efforts at the University of Liverpool aimed directly at in-situ decontamination of food and foodprocessing equipment have been reported. [38] Bauer et al reported on the system's design features and its anti-microbial efficacy for treating food packaging films.…”

“…For coplanar discharges both electrodes are embedded in the dielectric material with the discharge forming in the gas above the dielectric surface. [37] This design is -15 -particularly suited to food applications as the electrodes can be completely sealed off from any food/water contact. It is also compatible with scale-up.…”