Abstract: An atmospheric plasma processing system is presented. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an atmospheric pressure plasma microwave processing apparatus includes a processing area or chamber wherein parts are processed; at least one multi-mode microwave reactor coupled to receive parts for processing; at least one magnetron coupled to at least one multi-mode microwave reactor to provide microwave energy; and a delivery system coupled to at least one multi-mode microwave reactor to deliver the parts into and out of at least one reactor, wherein a plasma can be generated at atmospheric pressure and provided to the parts in at least one multi-mode microwave reactor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for plasma-assisted engine exhaust treatment. In one embodiment, an engine exhaust treatment system includes at least one conduit with an inlet portion (215), an outlet portion (216), an intermediate portion (205), and at least one plasma cavity (210). The inlet portion is configured to connect to an engine block (510) and receive an exhaust gas. The outlet portion emits the exhaust gas after plasma treatment. The intermediate portion conveys the exhaust gas from the inlet portion to the outlet portion. In one embodiment, one or more plasma cavities (342, 344, 346) are located proximate to the inlet portion for treating the exhaust gas. The system also includes an electromagnetic radiation source (340) connected to the cavities for supplying radiation to the cavities, wherein the radiation has a frequency less than about 333 GHz. Exhaust gas treatments that use plasma catalysts (70, 170) are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a plasma for various coating processes. In one embodiment, the surface of an object can be coated by forming a plasma in a cavity by subjecting a gas to an amount of electromagnetic radiation power in the presence of a plasma catalyst and adding at least one coating material to the plasma. The material is allowed to deposit on the surface of the object to form a coating. Various plasma catalysts are also provided. Coatings can include any material, for example, carbon nanotubes, BaTiO3, Cr2O3, hafnium oxide, 3Al2O3.2SiO2, Al2O3, SiAlON, MgAl2O4, TiN, and TiO2.