Power Supply for Plasma Torches Based on a Class‐E Amplifier Configuration

Abstract

A new RF power supply intended for low‐power plasma torches is presented. It is based on a class‐E amplifier, modified on the principle of a parallel LC resonant circuit, and is used here to supply the so‐called ‘plasma needle’. The latter is matched with a shunt inductor, and both are connected in parallel to the resonant capacitor C. This configuration is particularly useful for the control of stable discharge characteristics, for example, to resist naturally occurring variations in the load impedance, by providing the high voltage necessary to ignite and maintain the plasma. The overall system has been tested at atmospheric pressure by producing glow discharges in flows of helium and argon. We present early results that describe the device's characteristics.

Time effect and aliquot concentration inStreptococcus mutanselimination by plasma needle

“…Previous to the treatment, a full diagnostics of the needle plasma, based on optical emission spectrometry (OES) indicated substantial UV emission in the range 300-400 nm. Active oxygen radicals (O and OH) were also detected [22]. …”

An Off-Nominal Class E Amplifier—Design Oriented Analysis

“…The high efficiency of the Class E PA has inspired its use in many other applications, such as: industrial induction heaters, dc/dc converters, plasma generators, wireless power transmission systems (WPT) supplying energy to RFID tags, medical implants and endoscopic capsules, etc. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Such a wide range of applications often requires Class E amplifiers to be optimized to operate efficiently in the given conditions.…”

Toxicity and Genotoxicity in HeLa and E. coli Cells Caused by a Helium Plasma Needle

“…The plasma needle reactor has a coaxial configuration which generates a non-thermal plasma, the nozzle has 1 mm of radius, in the centre has a copper filament surrounded by an insulating ceramic support, which provides both rigidity and mechanical protection, (Figure 1) (Pérez et al, 2008). The plasma is produced by a radiofrequency generator at 13.56 MHz in a helium environment at a 1 SLPM flow.…”