Characteristics of Merging Plasma Plumes for Materials Process Using Two Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jets.

Area of Science:

• Plasma Physics
• Surface Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs) are versatile tools for various applications due to their operation without vacuum systems.
• APPJs find use in medicine, surface treatment, and agriculture, highlighting their broad applicability.
• Understanding plasma jet interactions is crucial for optimizing material processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interaction between two helium plasma jets.
• To determine the effects of flow rate, voltage, and directional angle on plasma plume merging.
• To elucidate the fundamental mechanisms governing plasma plume merging and its impact on plasma chemistry.

Main Methods:

• Experimental investigation of two helium atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs).
• Varied parameters include flow rate, voltage, and directional angle.
• Analyzed in-phase and out-of-phase configurations using optical emission spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• In-phase configuration: increased voltage and flow rate extended plume length but did not cause merging.
• Out-of-phase configuration: observed plasma plume merging facilitated by channel formation between jets.
• Optical emission spectroscopy showed significant differences in OH, N2 (SPS), and N2+ (FNS) intensities due to merging.

Conclusions:

• Plasma plume merging is achievable in out-of-phase APPJ configurations.
• Plume merging significantly impacts plasma chemistry, evidenced by changes in emission intensities.
• Findings provide insights for controlling plasma jet interactions to enhance plasma-assisted processes.