A micro-hollow cathode discharge device. The device includes a first electrode layer comprising a first electrode. A hole is disposed in the first electrode layer. The device also includes a dielectric layer having a first surface that is disposed on the first electrode layer. The hole continues from the first electrode layer through the dielectric layer. The device also includes a semi-conducting layer disposed on a second surface of the dielectric layer opposite the first surface. The semi-conducting layer is a semiconductor material that spans across the hole such that the hole terminates at the semi-conducting layer. The device also includes a second electrode layer disposed on the semi-conducting layer opposite the dielectric layer.

A small and inexpensive plasma actuator is capable of accelerating induced flow and increasing the effect of controlling flow. A plurality of electrode pairs are disposed on a dielectric layer upstream to downstream along a predetermined direction. Each electrode pair includes an upstream electrode disposed on one surface of the dielectric layer and a downstream electrode disposed on another surface of the dielectric layer to sandwich the dielectric layer between the upstream electrode. A lowest electrode is on the one surface of the dielectric layer displaced downstream from the downstream electrode in an the most downstream electrode pair to have the same potential as the downstream electrode. A voltage application device is configured to apply voltage including AC voltage or repeated pulse voltage to each electrode pair such that the potential of the applied voltage inverts at adjacent electrode pairs.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are contemplated in which a tube cell that produces a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is individually configured to minimize the mixing of unwanted byproducts of the generated plasma with an exhaust air stream. The tube cell generates a DBD within a tube cell, such that oxidants or radicals are generated in an environment substantially separated from the exhaust stream. The generated oxidants are directed to intersect with the exhaust stream to minimize the generation of unwanted byproducts. The tube cells are further shaped and arranged in tube cell arrays to alter the flow dynamics of the exhaust stream and the oxidant or radical streams, including mixing of the streams.

Systems, methods, and apparatus are contemplated in which a tube cell that produces a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is individually configured to minimize the mixing of unwanted byproducts of the generated plasma with an exhaust air stream. The tube cell generates a DBD within a tube cell, such that oxidants or radicals are generated in an environment substantially separated from the exhaust stream. The generated oxidants are directed to intersect with the exhaust stream to minimize the generation of unwanted byproducts. The tube cells are further shaped and arranged in tube cell arrays to alter the flow dynamics of the exhaust stream and the oxidant or radical streams, including mixing of the streams.

A plasma plate is used to minimize drag of a fluid flow over an exposed surface. The plasma plate includes a series of plasma actuators positioned on the surface. Each plasma actuator is made of a dielectric separating a first electrode exposed to a fluid flow and a second electrode separated from the fluid flow under the dielectric. A pulsed direct current power supply provides a first voltage to the first electrode and a second voltage to the second electrode. The series of plasma actuators is operably connected to a bus which distribute powers and is positioned to minimize flow disturbances. The plasma actuators are arranged into a series of linear rows such that a velocity component is imparted to the fluid flow.

A plasma generator generates atmospheric pressure, low temperature plasma (cold plasma), and includes a thin plate-like first electrode defining a planar bottom surface. A thin plate-like second electrode defines a planar top surface. The second electrode opposes the first electrode, such that the bottom surface of the first electrode faces the top surface of the second electrode. A first dielectric layer is disposed on the bottom surface of the first electrode, and a second dielectric layer is disposed on the top surface of the second electrode. A spacer supports the first and second electrodes to define a predetermined gap between the first and second dielectric layers. A power supply supplies electrical power to the first and second electrodes at a predetermined voltage and frequency, such that, based on the predetermined gap between the first and second dielectric layers, cold plasma is generated.

Provided is a plasma reactor capable of reliably generating plasma even in the event of inflow of water. The plasma reactor of the present invention includes a plasma panel stack 20, electrically conductive members 51 and 54, a case, and a mat 71. The plasma panel stack 20 has a structure in which electrode panels 30 are stacked, and generates plasma upon application of voltage between the adjacent electrode panels 30. The electrically conductive members 51 and 54 are electrically connected to discharge electrodes of the electrode panels 30. The case houses the plasma panel stack 20. The mat 71 intervenes between the case and the plasma panel stack 20 and fixes the plasma panel stack 20 to the case. The mat 71 is disposed apart from the electrically conductive members 51 and 54 so that gaps S1 and S2 are formed between the mat 71 and the electrically conductive members 51 and 54, respectively.

A system includes a cold plasma applicator configured to couple directly to a container, wherein the cold plasma applicator is configured to generate a cold plasma within the container. A method includes operating a cold plasma applicator to generate a cold plasma to treat contents within a container, wherein the cold plasma applicator is configured to directly couple to the container, or the cold plasma applicator comprises a varying geometry application surface having a plurality of protruding electrode portions spaced apart from one another to define a plurality of intermediate recessed portions, or a combination thereof.

A device for treating a user's skin using plasma is provided. The device comprises a plasma generation assembly and a power supply. The plasma generation assembly comprises a discharge electrode including a first surface; a first dielectric material layer provided on the first surface of the discharge electrode and the first surface, a ground electrode surrounding the discharge electrode, and an insulation member spacing around the discharge electrode from the ground electrode. The power supply configured to apply power to the plasma generation assembly so that plasma is generated from the first surface of the discharge electrode to the ground electrode and between the first dielectric material layer and the user's skin.

Methods and systems for decontaminating food products includes arranging a first electrode and second electrode in an asymmetric relationship on opposite sides of a dielectric layer, providing an insulating covering on the first electrode, and applying a power source to the first and second electrodes. A voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode in ambient atmosphere to create a cold plasma and a food product is decontaminated by the plasma.