Atomic oxygen formation in a radio-frequency driven micro-atmospheric pressure plasma jet

J. Waskoenig, K. Niemi, N. Knake, L. M. Graham, S. Reuter, V. Schulz-von der Gathen, T. Gans

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Atomic oxygen formation in a radio-frequency driven micro-atmospheric pressure plasma jet is investigated using both advanced optical diagnostics and numerical simulations of the dynamic plasma chemistry. Laser spectroscopic measurements of absolute densities of ground state atomic oxygen reveal steep gradients at the interface between the plasma core and the effluent region. Spatial profiles resolving the interelectrode gap within the core plasma indicate that volume processes dominate over surface reactions. Details of the production and destruction processes are investigated in numerical simulations benchmarked by phase-resolved optical emission spectroscopy. The main production mechanisms are electron induced and hence most efficient in the vicinity of the plasma boundary sheath, where electrons are energized. The destruction is driven through chemical heavy particle reactions. The resulting spatial profile of atomic oxygen is relatively flat. The power dependence of the atomic oxygen density obtained by the numerical simulation is in very good agreement with the laser spectroscopic measurements.

Original languageEnglish
Article number045018
Number of pages11
JournalPlasma sources science & technology
Volume19
Issue number4
Early online date28 Jun 2010
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2010

Keywords

  • GLOW-DISCHARGES
  • CROSS-SECTIONS
  • 2-PHOTON ABSORPTION
  • TRANSITION
  • HELIUM
  • ARRAYS
  • NEEDLE
  • MODE

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