Abstract: A self-sustained atmospheric pressure system for absorbing or scattering electromagnetic waves using a capillary discharge electrode configuration plasma panel and a method for using the same. Of particular interest is the application of this system to vary the level of exposure or duration of an object to electromagnetic waves, or as a diffraction grating to separate multiple wavelength electromagnetic waves into its respective wavelength components. The generation of the non-thermal plasma is controlled by varying the supply of power to the plasma panel. When a substantially uniform plasma is generated the plasma panel absorbs substantially all of the incident electromagnetic waves thereby substantially prohibiting exposure of the object (disposed downstream of the plasma panel) to the electromagnetic waves. If the generated plasma is non-uniform the plasma panel reflects at least some of the electromagnetic waves incident on its surface.

Abstract: A device for the pre-treatment of combustion air by exposure to non-thermal plasma at substantially atmospheric pressure and a method for operating the same. The device includes an inner electrode having a longitudinal channel defined therein to receive a fuel. An outer dielectric layer is separated a predetermined distance from the inner electrode so as to form a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma region therebetween for receiving the combustion air to be treated. The outer dielectric has at least one opening (e.g., capillaries or slots) defined therethrough from which the non-thermal plasma is emitted. At least one outer electrode (e.g., in the shape of a pin or ring) is disposed in fluid communication with the at least one opening. The treated combustion air and fuel are combined in a mixing region. The pretreatment device may be disposed in an unsealed or a sealed combustion burner.

Abstract: A plasma reactor including a first dielectric having at least one slot defined therethrough, and a segmented electrode including a plurality of electrode segments, each electrode segment is disposed proximate an associated slot. Each electrode segment may be formed in different shapes, for example, a plate, bar, rim, or plug. The electrode segment may be hollow, solid, or made from a porous material. The reactor may include a second electrode and dielectric with the first and second dielectrics separated by a predetermined distance to form a channel therebetween into which the plasma exiting from the slots defined in the first dielectric is discharged. The fluid to be treated is passed through the channel and exposed to the plasma discharge. If the electrode segment is hollow or made of a porous material, then the fluid/gas to be treated may be fed into the slots defined in the first dielectric and exposed therein to the maximum plasma density.

Abstract: A method for activating chemical reactions using a non-thermal capillary discharge plasma (NT-CDP) unit or a non-thermal slot discharge plasma (NT-SDP) unit (collectively referred to as “NT-CDP/SDP”). The NT-CDP/SDP unit includes a first electrode disposed between two dielectric layers, wherein the first electrode and dielectric layers having at least one opening (e.g., capillary or a slot) defined therethrough. A dielectric sleeve inserted into the opening, and at least one second electrode (e.g., in the shape of a pin, ring, metal wire, or tapered metal blade) is disposed in fluid communication with an associated opening. A non-thermal plasma discharge is emitted from the opening when a voltage differential is applied between the first and second electrodes. Chemical feedstock to be treated is then exposed to the non-thermal plasma.

Abstract: A plasma reactor including a first dielectric having at least one slot defined therethrough, and a segmented electrode including a plurality of electrode segments, each electrode segment is disposed proximate an associated slot. Each electrode segment may be formed in different shapes, for example, a plate, bar, rim, or plug. The electrode segment may be hollow, solid, or made from a porous material. The reactor may include a second electrode and dielectric with the first and second dielectrics separated by a predetermined distance to form a channel therebetween into which the plasma exiting from the slots defined in the first dielectric is discharged. The fluid to be treated is passed through the channel and exposed to the plasma discharge. If the electrode segment is hollow or made of a porous material, then the fluid/gas to be treated may be fed into the slots defined in the first dielectric and exposed therein to the maximum plasma density.

Abstract: A method for activating chemical reactions using a non-thermal capillary discharge plasma (NT-CDP) unit or a non-thermal slot discharge plasma (NT-SDP) unit (collectively referred to as “NT-CDP/SDP”). The NT-CDP/SDP unit includes a first electrode disposed between two dielectric layers, wherein the first electrode and dielectric layers having at least one opening (e.g., capillary or a slot) defined therethrough. A dielectric sleeve inserted into the opening, and at least one second electrode (e.g., in the shape of a pin, ring, metal wire, or tapered metal blade) is disposed in fluid communication with an associated opening. A non-thermal plasma discharge is emitted from the opening when a voltage differential is applied between the first and second electrodes. Chemical feedstock to be treated is then exposed to the non-thermal plasma.

Abstract: A device for the pre-treatment of combustion air by exposure to non-thermal plasma at substantially atmospheric pressure and a method for operating the same. The device includes an inner electrode having a longitudinal channel defined therein to receive a fuel. An outer dielectric layer is separated a predetermined distance from the inner electrode so as to form a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma region therebetween for receiving the combustion air to be treated. The outer dielectric has at least one opening (e.g., capillaries or slots) defined therethrough from which the non-thermal plasma is emitted. At least one outer electrode (e.g., in the shape of a pin or ring) is disposed in fluid communication with the at least one opening. The treated combustion air and fuel are combined in a mixing region. The pretreatment device may be disposed in an unsealed or a sealed combustion burner.