Numerical description of discharge characteristics of the plasma needle

• DOI: 10.1063/1.1944218
• Publication Date: 2005-07-05T22:00:38Z
• Authors: W. J. M. Brok; M. D. Bowden; J. van Dijk; J. J. A. M. van d...; G. M. W. Kroesen
• Keywords: Poisson's equation

The plasma needle is a small atmospheric, nonthermal, radio-frequency discharge, generated at the tip of needle, which can be used for localized disinfection biological tissues. Although several experiments have characterized various qualities discharge characteristics and electrical properties are still not well known. In order to provide initial estimates on quantities such as particle densities, we employed two-dimensional, time-dependent fluid model describe needle. this balance equation solved in drift-diffusion approach species electron energy, Poisson’s equation. We found that production occurs sheath region results steady flux reactive outwards. Even (<0.1%) admixtures N2 He background, N2+ dominant ion. density typically 1011cm−3 dissipated power 10mW. These consistent with experimental data available give direction practical development