METHOD FOR TESTING AN ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENT FOR GENERATING A NON-THERMAL PLASMA, AND PLASMA SOURCE HAVING AN ELECTRODE ARRANGEMENT OF THIS KIND AND CONFIGURED FOR PERFORMING A METHOD OF THIS KIND

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for testing an electrode arrangement (1) for generating a non-thermal plasma, having the following steps: determining at least one power parameter which characterizes a plasma power of the electrode arrangement (1); comparing the at least one power parameter with at least one predetermined target parameter value, and obtaining a comparison result; assessing the functionality of the electrode arrangement (1) on the basis of the comparison result, and preferably selecting at least one action according to the comparison result.

Claims

1. A method for testing an electrode arrangement (1) for generating a non-thermal plasma, comprising the following steps: determining at least one power parameter which characterizes a plasma power of the electrode arrangement (1); comparing the at least one power parameter with at least one predetermined target parameter value, and obtaining a comparison result; assessing the functionality of the electrode arrangement (1) on the basis of the comparison result, and preferably selecting at least one action according to the comparison result.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the action is selected from a group consisting of outputting an “OK” signal, outputting an “action required” signal, outputting a “not OK” signal, notifying an operator of the electrode arrangement (1) of a current plasma power, adapting an operating time of the electrode arrangement (1) to the comparison result, terminating an operation of the electrode arrangement (1), and continuing the operation of the electrode arrangement (1) without further action.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method is carried out immediately after the electrode arrangement has been put into operation—and in particular before it is used.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one predetermined target parameter value a) is constant, or b) is stored as a function of at least one operational parameter of the electrode arrangement (1), wherein the at least one operational parameter is preferably selected from a group consisting of an ambient temperature of the electrode arrangement (1) and a relative humidity in an environment of the electrode arrangement (1).

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one power parameter is captured on an electronic proxy structure (104) connected in series with the electrode arrangement (1).

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one value of a proxy voltage falling across the electronic proxy structure (104) at a specific phase angle of a control voltage applied to the electrode arrangement (1), in particular at a zero crossing of the control voltage, is measured as the at least one power parameter.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that an average value of the proxy voltage at the determined phase angle of the control voltage, averaged over multiple, in particular a plurality of, periods of the control voltage is determined as the at least one power parameter.

8. The method according to a claim 1, characterized in that a capacitor (105) is used as the electronic proxy structure (104).

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one power parameter is compared with a first, upper target parameter value and with a second, lower target parameter value, wherein the at least one action is selected according to whether the at least a power parameter falls within a target parameter range delimited by the first target parameter value and the second target parameter value.

10. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrode arrangement (1) is operated for a predetermined period of time before the at least one power parameter is determined.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the comparison result and/or the at least one power parameter is/are logged for later retrieval in an electronic memory device of the electrode arrangement (1), in particular in an automated manner, preferably with at least one metadata item.

12. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that an electrode arrangement (1) which is configured to generate surface micro-discharges in ambient air is tested.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that an electrode arrangement (1) is tested which has a first, preferably planar electrode (3), a second, preferably planar electrode (5), and a dielectric (7), wherein the first electrode (3) and the second electrode (5) are spaced apart from each other by the dielectric (7) and are each arranged in direct mechanical contact with the dielectric (7).

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that a high voltage, in particular an alternating voltage, is applied to the first electrode (3), and the second electrode (5) is connected to ground.

15. A plasma source (100), having an electrode arrangement (1) for generating a non-thermal plasma, wherein the electrode arrangement (1) comprises a first electrode (3), a second electrode (5), and a dielectric (7), by means of which the first electrode (3) and the second electrode (5) are spaced apart from each other, wherein the first electrode (3) is arranged on a first side (9) of the dielectric (7), wherein the second electrode (5) is arranged on a second side (11) of the dielectric (7) opposite the first side (9), and comprises a control device (101) which is configured to control the electrode arrangement, wherein the control device (101) is configured to carry out a method according to claim 1.

16. The plasma source (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that the control device (101) has an electronic proxy structure (104) which is connectable or is connected in series with the electrode arrangement (1), wherein the control device (101) is configured to capture the at least one power parameter on the electronic proxy structure (104) connected in series with the electrode arrangement (1).

17. The plasma source (100) according to claim 16, characterized in that the electronic proxy structure (104) is in particular a capacitor (105) or a capacitor arrangement.

18. The plasma source (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that the second electrode (5) has a periodic structure.

19. The plasma source (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that a) the second electrode (5) has at least one structural element (15) with at least one recess (19) delimited by edges (17), wherein the edges (17) delimiting the recess (19) are at a distance from each other, inside each recess (19), of at least 0.5 mm to at most 10 mm, preferably of at least 1 mm to at most 8 mm, preferably of at least 2 mm to at most 7 mm, preferably of 5 mm, and/or in that b) the second electrode (5) has a plurality of structural elements (15), wherein the individual structural elements (15) are spaced apart from each other by at least 0.5 mm to at most 10 mm, preferably at least 1 mm to at most 8 mm, preferably at least 2 mm up to at most 7 mm, preferably 5 mm, and/or in that c) the second electrode (5) is linear, zigzag-shaped, straight, curved, wavy, spiral, comb-like or meander-shaped.

20. The plasma source (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that a) the dielectric (7) and the second electrode (5) protrude beyond the first electrode (3) on all sides—viewed perpendicular to a stacking direction of the electrode arrangement (1)—or in that b) the dielectric (7) and the first electrode (3) protrude beyond the second electrode (5) on all sides—viewed perpendicular to a stacking direction of the electrode arrangement (1)—or in that c) the dielectric (7) protrudes beyond the first electrode (3) and the second electrode (5) on all sides—viewed perpendicular to a stacking direction of the electrode arrangement (1).

21. (canceled)

Description

[0161] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0162] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method for testing an electrode arrangement, in the form of a flow chart;

[0163] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a plasma source;

[0164] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an embodiment of an electrode arrangement of such a plasma source, and

[0165] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of such an electrode arrangement.

[0166] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a method for testing an electrode arrangement for generating a non-thermal plasma, in the form of a flow chart. In this case, in a first step S1, the electrode arrangement is put into operation, wherein in particular a plasma source having the electrode arrangement is switched on.

[0167] In a second step S2, at least one power parameter is determined which characterizes a plasma power of the electrode arrangement.

[0168] In a third step S3, the at least one power parameter is compared with at least one predetermined target parameter value, and a comparison result is obtained.

[0169] In a fourth step S4, the functionality of the electrode arrangement is assessed on the basis of the comparison result.

[0170] In a fifth step S5, an action is preferably selected according to the comparison result. This action preferably includes—according to the comparison result—the output of an “OK” signal, the output of an “action needed” signal, the output of a “not OK” signal, notification of an operator of the electrode arrangement of a current plasma power, adaptation of an operating time of the electrode arrangement to the comparison result, termination of the operation of the electrode arrangement, or a continuation of the operation of the electrode arrangement without further measures, in particular without a signal or message output. The signal output can take place in particular in the form of light signals or luminous signals, for example the activation of a green, yellow or red light, in particular an LED. Alternatively or additionally, a text or a graphic symbol can be shown in a display. An acoustic output of a message or warning is also possible, as is the output of a message or warning by generating a targeted vibration of the electrode arrangement, in particular the plasma source, which has the electrode arrangement. For the selection of the action, predetermined ranges are preferably defined for the agreement or deviation of the at least one power parameter with/from the at least one predetermined target parameter value, and the action is selected according to which of the predetermined ranges the comparison result falls into.

[0171] The method is preferably carried out immediately after start-up, particularly preferably after each start-up of the electrode arrangement.

[0172] The at least one predetermined target parameter value is preferably specified as a constant. Alternatively, it is possible that the at least one predetermined target parameter value is selected according to at least one application parameter of the electrode arrangement, wherein it is possible in particular to store it in the form of a mathematical relationship, a characteristic curve or a characteristic field. The at least one application parameter preferably includes an ambient temperature of the electrode arrangement and/or a relative humidity in an environment, in particular an immediate environment, very particularly a treatment environment of the electrode arrangement—that is, an environment in which a treatment is carried out, in particular a surface treatment, by means of the non-thermal plasma generated by the electrode arrangement. In particular, two different values can be stored for the at least one predetermined target parameter value according to the relative humidity—in particular, a first value for a humidity of less than 80% and a second value different from the first value for a relative humidity of more than 80%.

[0173] The plasma is generated by the electrode arrangement in particular in ambient air, such that the relative humidity in the vicinity of the electrode arrangement is relevant for the plasma generation.

[0174] The electrode arrangement is preferably heated at least in portions thereof, to determine the power parameter, it being possible in particular for it to be heated to a temperature of at least 50° C. In this way, moisture accumulated on the surface of the electrode arrangement, which could otherwise impair the measurement, can be removed.

[0175] The comparison result and/or the at least one power parameter is preferably logged in an electronic storage device for later retrieval. The comparison result and/or the at least one power parameter is/are preferably stored with at least one metadata item, in particular together with a place of use, a purpose of use, a time stamp, and/or further metadata, preferably automatically.

[0176] These parameters can then be read and/or graphically displayed at a later point in time in order to monitor the operation of the electrode arrangement and to assess its functionality over time.

[0177] The electrode arrangement is preferably configured to generate surface micro-discharges in ambient air.

[0178] An electrode arrangement is preferably used which has a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart from each other by a dielectric, and in particular are in mechanical contact with the dielectric on different sides of the dielectric. The first electrode and the second electrode are preferably planar. The second electrode is preferably designed as a structure electrode or structured electrode which has a plurality of edges at which surface micro-discharges can be ignited.

[0179] A high voltage, in particular an alternating voltage, is preferably applied to the first electrode, and the second electrode is connected to ground. When the electrode arrangement is used to treat a surface, the second electrode is preferably facing the treatment surface, which increases the electrical safety of the operation of the electrode arrangement.

[0180] FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a plasma source 100, having an electrode arrangement 1, shown only schematically, for generating a non-thermal plasma. The plasma source 100 also has a control device 101 which is configured to control the electrode arrangement 1. The control device 101 has in particular a voltage source 103, by means of which an alternating voltage can be applied to the electrode arrangement 1 as a control voltage.

[0181] In addition, the control device has an electronic proxy structure 104 which can be connected in series with the electrode arrangement 1 and is connected in series in this case. The control device 101 is configured to capture the at least one power parameter on the electronic proxy structure 104 connected in series with the electrode arrangement 1. The electronic proxy structure 104 is designed in this case in particular as a capacitor 105.

[0182] At least one value, in particular a mean value, of an alternating voltage V(t)—the proxy voltage—falling across the electronic proxy structure 104 at a certain phase angle of the control voltage is measured as a power parameter, in particular averaged over a plurality of periods of the control voltage, in particular according to the equation (4) given above. The proxy voltage is preferably captured as a function of time by a voltage measuring device 107.

[0183] The power parameter is preferably compared with a first, upper target parameter value and a second, lower target parameter value, wherein the at least one action is selected according to whether the at least one power parameter falls within a target parameter range delimited by the first target parameter value and the second target parameter value.

[0184] FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-section and detail illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an electrode arrangement 1 which is configured for generating a non-thermal plasma. The electrode arrangement 1 has a first electrode 3 and a second electrode 5, as well as a dielectric 7, by means of which the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 5 are spaced apart from each other. In particular, the dielectric 7—viewed along a stacking direction—is arranged between the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 5. The stacking direction extends in the vertical direction in FIG. 3.

[0185] The first electrode 3 in this case is arranged close against a first side 9 of the dielectric 7, and the second electrode 5 is arranged close against a second side 11 of the dielectric 7, opposite the first side 9.

[0186] The second electrode 5 comprises a material that is selected from a group consisting of stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, an electrically conductive plastic, and a conductive adhesive. In addition, the second electrode 5 is compelled against the second side of the dielectric 7, in particular pressed against the second side 11, pushed onto the second side 11, or generally held on the second side 11 of the dielectric 7 under preload.

[0187] The electrode arrangement 1 can be produced in a simple, inexpensive manner, and is highly efficient and also highly resistant in particular to oxidation by ozone and to sputtering.

[0188] The first electrode 3 preferably comprises copper and/or tin. It is also possible that the first electrode 3 consists of copper or a copper alloy, and/or of tin or a tin alloy. The first electrode 3 particularly preferably has a first layer made of copper or a copper alloy and a second layer made of tin or a tin alloy arranged on the first layer. In this case, the second layer made of tin or a tin alloy is arranged in particular on a side of the first electrode 3 facing away from the dielectric 7—that is, in this case, in FIG. 3, on an underside of the first electrode 3.

[0189] A thickness of the first electrode 3 measured in the stacking direction is preferably from at least 1 μm to at most 100 μm, particularly preferably 4 μm, wherein the copper layer of the first electrode 3 preferably has a thickness of 3 μm, and the tin layer of the first electrode 3 has a thickness of 1 μm.

[0190] The dielectric 7 preferably has a material or consists of a material selected from a group consisting of Kapton, quartz, glass, ceramic, and aluminum oxide. It preferably has a thickness, measured in the stacking direction, of at least 0.05 mm to at most 0.8 mm, preferably of at least 0.1 mm to at most 0.75 mm, preferably of 0.25 mm.

[0191] The second electrode 5 preferably has a thickness, measured in the stacking direction, of at least 5 μm to at most 1 mm, preferably 0.5 mm.

[0192] The second electrode 5 and the dielectric 7 preferably have a surface area of 4×4 cm.sup.2. The first electrode 3, which is preferably arranged centrally, that is to say in particular in the middle, on the dielectric 7 preferably has a surface area of 3×3 cm.sup.2. Other sizes are also possible for the electrode arrangement, since it is particularly modular and very particularly preferably scalable.

[0193] The electrode arrangement 1 shown here is particularly flat, and preferably even. However, it is also possible for the electrode arrangement to be curved. The electrode arrangement 1 can be rigid and/or flexible.

[0194] The first electrode 3 is preferably coated with an electrical insulating layer 13 at least in some regions. The insulating layer 13 preferably comprises an insulating varnish or consists of an insulating varnish. It is particularly preferably sprayed onto the first electrode 3. In particular, the insulating layer 13 can be formed from a two-component insulating varnish. It preferably has a thickness of more than 3 μm. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the first electrode 13 to be encapsulated with a potting compound.

[0195] The first electrode 3 is preferably coated onto the dielectric 7, in particular vapor-deposited. In this respect, it preferably differs from the second electrode 5, which is held on the dielectric 7 under preload and, in particular, is pressed against the second side 11.

[0196] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the dielectric 7 and the second electrode 5 project beyond the first electrode 3 preferably on all sides—viewed perpendicular to the stacking direction. Alternatively, it is also possible that the first electrode 3 and the dielectric 7 protrude beyond the second electrode 5 on all sides, perpendicular to the stacking direction. Furthermore, it is alternatively also possible that the dielectric 7 projects beyond both the first electrode 3 and the second electrode 5 on all sides, perpendicular to the stacking direction.

[0197] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the electrode arrangement 1, in particular of the exemplary embodiment of the electrode arrangement 1 according to FIG. 3. Identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols, so that in this respect reference is made to the preceding description. The view of the viewer is directed to the second electrode 5 and the second side 11 of the dielectric 7. The first electrode 3 and the insulating layer 13 are hidden from view of the observer, since they are arranged below the second electrode 5 and the dielectric 7.

[0198] The second electrode 5 preferably has a periodic structure made up of a plurality of identical structural elements 15, of which only one is provided here with a reference number, in order to increase the clarity. The structural elements 15 are embodied in this case as squares. Such structural elements 15 can, however, also be designed generally as polygons, triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons, or higher-ranking polygons, as circles or ellipses, or as one-dimensional shapes, for example as lines, in particular as straight lines, wavy lines, otherwise curved lines or the like. Shapes in the transition area between a one-dimensional and a two-dimensional configuration, for example meandering structures, can also be selected for the structural elements 15. A periodic configuration of the second electrode 5 enables the electrode arrangement 1 to be scaled in a special way, with its generation rate for the non-thermal plasma being able to be scaled more or less linearly with the number of structural elements 15.

[0199] Regardless of whether the second electrode 5 has a periodic structure composed of a plurality of identical structural elements 15, or whether only one structural element 15 or a plurality of structural elements 15 configured differently from each other—in particular with regard to size and/or shape—are provided, the second electrode 5 preferably has at least one structural element 15 with at least one recess 19 delimited by edges 17, wherein only one edge 17 and one recess 19 are assigned a reference symbol here for the sake of better clarity. The edges 17 delimiting the recesses 19—measured within a recess 19—preferably have an edge length from at least 0.5 mm to at most 10 mm, preferably from at least 1 mm to at most 8 mm, preferably from at least 2 mm to at most 7 mm, preferably of 5 mm. In particular, the recesses 19, which are square here, preferably have a planar recess area of 5×5 mm.sup.2. The embodiment described here advantageously reduces the influence of self-interference of the electric field in corners of the recesses 19, which would otherwise reduce the efficiency of the electrode arrangement 1 in a manner which is relevant.

[0200] A web width of the edges 17—measured perpendicular to the stacking direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of an edge—is preferably 0.5 mm. In another preferred embodiment of the electrode arrangement 1, it is preferably provided that the second electrode 5 has a plurality of structural elements 15, and the individual structural elements 15 are spaced apart from each other by at least 0.5 mm to at most 10 mm, preferably from at least 1 mm to at most 8 mm, preferably 5 mm. This also helps to reduce the effect of self-interference.

[0201] The electrode arrangement 1 is preferably operated by applying an alternating voltage with an amplitude of at least 2 kV.sub.pp to at most 5 kV.sub.pp and a frequency of at least 2 kHz to at most 60 kHz, preferably 4 kHz, to the first electrode 3. The second electrode 5 is preferably connected to ground.

[0202] In the following, values for the power density of the electrode arrangement 1 in the different operating states are given by way of example, with respect to a volume of approximately 12.5 cm.sup.3 enclosed by the spacer. For other enclosed volumes, these values must be selected differently in order to obtain the same operating states: The electrode arrangement 1 is preferably operated in a first operating state with a power of less than 0.01 W/cm. In this first operating state, oxygen species dominate the composition of the non-thermal plasma, which is generated by the electrode arrangement 1 in ambient air. In a third operating state, the electrode arrangement 1 is preferably operated with a power of more than 0.05 W/cm. In this third operating state, nitrogen species dominate the composition of the non-thermal plasma. In a second, intermediate state, the electrode arrangement 1 is preferably operated with a power of at least 0.01 W/cm to at most 0.05 W/cm. In this intermediate state, both active oxygen species and active nitrogen species are found in relevant concentration in the non-thermal plasma, wherein the ratio between nitrogen species and oxygen species can be modified by varying the power consumption of the electrode arrangement 1.

[0203] The electrode arrangement 1 is preferably operated for a first predetermined time in the first operating state and, after the predetermined time has elapsed, for a second, predetermined time in the second operating state or in the third operating state.

[0204] The electrode arrangement 1 is preferably used to inactivate pathogenic germs, in particular bacteria, fungal infections, in particular skin mycosis and/or athlete's foot, prions, biofilms and/or viruses. These can be inactivated in particular on surfaces, be they inanimate surfaces or surfaces of living beings, in particular plants, animals and/or humans. This is particularly relevant for skin surfaces for the purpose of disinfection or sterilization, and/or for wound treatment.

[0205] A large series of measurements was carried out in an environmental chamber in order to determine the correlation between the “real plasma power” and the “proxy measurement,” using the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 2

[0206] The result of hundreds of such measurements shows that there is a very good correlation between the real and the proxy determination of the plasma power, and that the variation between different plasma sources 100 and/or electrode arrangements 1 of the same design is very low.

[0207] The good correlation exists for all environmental conditions that were in the test range.

[0208] A preclinical study was carried out with the plasma source 5 in order to determine a safe therapeutic window for treatments.

[0209] First, efficacy studies were carried out. It was found that the plasma source 5 very effectively inactivates bacteria—including multi-resistant germs—and fungi. High reductions of four to five orders of magnitude are achieved in such cases, within a treatment duration of only 60 seconds.

[0210] Further research showed that bacterial biofilms can also be inactivated. Reductions of three orders of magnitude were achieved within 60 seconds of treatment. A complete reduction could be achieved after a treatment time of 10 minutes.

[0211] Furthermore, safety examinations were carried out, in particular vitality examinations on eukaryotic cells (primary fibroblasts and keratinocytes), as were mutagenicity tests, wound healing assays (to analyze the proliferation of cells), and examinations on ex vivo skin (histology, apoptosis or necrosis analysis).

[0212] These studies show that even in the worst case scenario of individual eukaryotic cells, there is no damage with treatment periods of up to 3 minutes. The mutagenicity tests did not show any induction of mutations for any plasma treatment duration (tested up to 5 minutes), and the ex vivo skin tests also showed no damage for any plasma treatment duration. This suggests an even larger therapeutic window than specified here.

[0213] With the method described here, in particular an initial verification of an electrode arrangement for generating a non-thermal plasma is possible, which in particular significantly increases the reliability of the operation of the electrode arrangement itself and of each of the uses of the electrode arrangement.