Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating and sustaining a glow discharge plasma in a plasma discharge space comprising at least two spaced electrodes. The method and apparatus are arranged for performing the steps of introducing in the discharge space a gas or gas mixture under atmospheric pressure conditions, energizing the electrodes by applying an AC energizing voltage (Va) to the electrodes, and controlling the energizing voltage (Va) such that at plasma generation a sharp relative decrease of displacement current is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and arrangement for controlling a glow discharge plasma in a gas or gas mixture under atmospheric conditions, in a plasma discharge space comprising at least two spaced electrodes (2), wherein at least one plasma pulse having an absolute pulse maximum is generated by applying an AC plasma energizing voltage to the electrodes (2) causing a plasma current and a displacement current. The plasma is controlled by providing a relative decrease of the displacement current after the pulse maximum. In a preferred embodiment, the energizing voltage is applied through a series circuit of a choke coil (3) and a non-saturable inductor (4).

Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement and method for generating a uniform and stable plasma. The arrangement comprises a discharge space (7) between at least a pair of electrodes (1, 2), which electrodes (1, 2) are arranged for providing an electric field and for generating a plasma in the electric field. At least one of the electrodes (1) has a boundary surface (6) with the discharge space (7). The boundary surface is comprised of one or more alternately arranged conductive (4) and insulating regions (5). The invention further relates to an electrode (1) for use in the arrangement described. The invention may, for example, be used in dielectric barrier discharge configurations, or in arrangements for generating plasmas at atmospheric pressures, or for generating plasmas at low temperatures, such as generating atmospheric pressure glow plasmas (APG) for material processing or surface (3) treatment purposes.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for applying a hybrid coating to a substrate. A coating according to the invention is formed by aan inorganic component and an organic component. As a result, this coating has the hybrid character whereby the advantages of inter alia hardness are combined with the flexibility. The invention also describes a device for the manufacture of a hybrid coating.