Electric field vector mapping of guided ionization waves at atmospheric pressure

TL;DR

This study experimentally maps the electric field vectors of guided ionization waves generated by atmospheric pressure plasma jets, providing new insights into their properties and potential applications in various fields.

Contribution

First to measure and document the spatial and temporal electric field vector mapping of guided ionization waves in atmospheric pressure plasma jets.

Findings

Electric field strength up to 55 kV/cm measured.

Observation of a second guided ionization wave and streamer formation.

EF configurations support validation of theoretical models.

Abstract

In this study, the dynamic of guided ionization wave (IW) generated by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) device in plasma gun configuration is experimentally investigated. The present work focuses on the properties of the intense electric field (EF) driving the IW. Taking advantages of APPJs to produce guided and reproducible IWs, the induced EF vector is characterized spatially and temporally along the direction of propagation. With this approach, EF vector mapping of guided IWs have been measured and documented for the first time. In the first part, the propagation within a glass tube of the first IW is investigated. Under the present conditions, a second guided IW is observed and propagates, leading to the formation of a guided streamer. The EF due to transient charge deposited on the wall surface is observed, particularly at the end of the tube. In the second part, one reports on the EF vector mapping under a dielectric substrate in contact with guided IWs. EF strength up to 55 kV cm$^{-1}$ has been measured and corroborates prior results from predictive numerical simulations. Intriguing configurations of the EF lines will be of significant interest to validate theoretical models in order to refine the non-equilibrium plasma chemistry kinetics. Furthermore, this preliminary work provides important insights into various applications involving IW driven discharges such as liquid activation, environmental treatments, plasma medicine, active flow control and plasma agriculture.