Abstract: Apparatus for dissociating gases includes a plasma chamber comprising a gas. A first transformer having a first magnetic core surrounds a first portion of the plasma chamber and has a first primary winding. A second transformer having a second magnetic core surrounds a second portion of the plasma chamber and has a second primary winding. A first solid state AC switching power supply including one or more switching semiconductor devices is coupled to a first voltage supply and has a first output that is coupled to the first primary winding. A second solid state AC switching power supply including one or more switching semiconductor devices is coupled to a second voltage supply and has a second output that is coupled to the second primary winding. The first solid state AC switching power supply drives a first AC current in the first primary winding. The second solid state AC switching power supply drives a second AC current in the second primary winding.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device includes a high dielectric material and at least one conductor arranged relative to the high dielectric material such that, in use, the high dielectric material is disposed between the conductor and target tissue. A second conductor is arranged relative to the high dielectric material such that, in use, the high dielectric material is disposed between the second conductor and target tissue. Each conductor includes a plurality of conductive fingers interleaved, e.g. in a comb-like fashion or as concentric circles. A method for performing electrosurgery includes delivering energy to a target tissue through a high dielectric material. The electrosurgery includes, e.g., ablation, coagulation, or the treatment of skin lesions.

Abstract: The invention features an RF plasma generator. The RF plasma generator includes a variable frequency RF generator, comprising an H-bridge and an RF output. The RF generator generates electromagnetic radiation having a power. The RF plasma generator further includes a matching network that includes at least one variable impedance component. The matching network also includes a first port that is electromagnetically coupled to the output of the RF generator and a second port. The RF plasma generator also includes a load that is electromagnetically coupled to the second port of the matching network, and a plasma chamber for containing a plasma having a power. The plasma chamber is electromagnetically coupled to the load and receives electromagnetic radiation having a power from the load. Adjusting at least one of the frequency of the RF generator and the variable impedance component in the matching network changes the power in the plasma.

Abstract: Apparatus for dissociating gases includes a plasma chamber comprising a gas. A first transformer having a first magnetic core surrounds a first portion of the plasma chamber and has a first primary winding. A second transformer having a second magnetic core surrounds a second portion of the plasma chamber and has a second primary winding. A first solid state AC switching power supply including one or more switching semiconductor devices is coupled to a first voltage supply and has a first output that is coupled to the first primary winding. A second solid state AC switching power supply including one or more switching semiconductor devices is coupled to a second voltage supply and has a second output that is coupled to the second primary winding. The first solid state AC switching power supply drives a first AC current in the first primary winding. The second solid state AC switching power supply drives a second AC current in the second primary winding.

Abstract: An inverter system having two resonating current sources which are resonant at the same frequency. The currents of the two sources are combined. At low power levels, the currents are substantially out of phase and the frequency is adjusted. At intermediate power levels, the currents are adjusted in phase and the frequency is fixed. At high power levels, the currents are substantially in phase and the frequency is adjusted.