Abstract: A device for the excitation of a gas medium (10) contained in a casing (12), the device being coupled to the casing (12) and disposed outside same and including an applicator that can generate lateral excitation inside the casing (12) over at least a portion thereof. The device is characterized in that the casing (12) is a hollow-core photonic dielectric structure (16), in which the core has a diameter smaller than 300 ?m, and in that the applicator is of the microwave type and can be used to generate a surface wave that can create and confine a microplasma from the gaseous medium contained in the casing (12).

Abstract: A device for the excitation of a gas medium (10) contained in a casing (12), the device being coupled to the casing (12) and disposed outside same and including an applicator that can generate lateral excitation inside the casing (12) over at least a portion thereof. The device is characterized in that the casing (12) is a hollow-core photonic dielectric structure (16), in which the core has a diameter smaller than 300 ?m, and in that the applicator is of the microwave type and can be used to generate a surface wave that can create and confine a micro-plasma from the gaseous medium contained in the casing (12).

Abstract: Apparatus for plasma activated chemical vapor deposition, the apparatus comprising a microwave-excited plasma reactor with a reaction enclosure (10), a microwave generator (20), a waveguide (21) providing non-resonant coupling, and insertion means (40-54) for inserting at least one flow of a predetermined gaseous mixture into the enclosure; the insertion means comprise, in order: transformation means (40-43) for transforming the state of a precursor of a material to be deposited to bring it to the gaseous state, feed means (41, 42) for feeding a vector gas suitable for being charged with the gaseous precursor to constitute the above-mentioned predetermined gaseous mixture; and injection means (18) for injecting the predetermined gaseous mixture into the enclosure (10) and comprising an externally frustoconical nozzle provided with an injection orifice situated at one end and shaped as a function of the injection orifice and of the column configuration of the plasma formed, said nozzle having means for heating

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma reactor including a housing which receives a selected gas flow, a microwave generator, and waveguide means to supply the microwaves to the housing according to a non-resonant coupling wherein the housing does not dissipate in the form of electromagnetic radition the ultrahigh frequence energy which is imparted to the housing in the presence of gas. According to a general definition of the invention, the housing being of a large size, the terminal portion of the waveguide means is progressively reduced in one direction and widened in the other direction till it reaches a flat rectangular cross-section surrounding completely the housing, and it forms a non-resonant coupling with the housing.

Abstract: A waveguide (130) is coupled to a tubular member (2) by a gap (139) suitable for generating an intense surface wave in a gaseous mixture contained in the tubular member (2). Short circuits (110 and 120) delimit the plasma, thereby generating very high intensity standing microwaves, which increase the energy density of the plasma. An ion laser effect can then be observed, in particular in a mixture of argon and helium, together with optional krypton.

Abstract: In an improved plasma torch, a metal tube delivers a plasma-generating gas to an end discharge outlet. The delivery tube is excited by microwave energy by means of a waveguide of rectangular cross-section. The tube traverses the waveguide through openings of larger diameter than the delivery tube. Metal sleeves are advantageously provided around the tube on each side of the waveguide. Two gases can be delivered to the plasma within concentric tubes. The plasma-formation zone can be moved further away from the waveguide by providing lateral impedance-matching devices along the sleeve.

Abstract: A plasma generator comprises a metallic tube of small diameter inside which can circulate a gas such as argon at a small flow rate, which is discharged at the front end of the tube. The tube is coupled with an energizing structure which can comprise a frequency generator supplying electromagnetic microwave via a coaxial connection, a coupling structure allowing the transfer of the energy of the generator to the front portion of the metallic tube. In the absence of a gas current in the tube, the front portion radiates the energy transmitted to it in the manner of an antenna. When a gas is discharged at the end of the tube, said energy allows maintaining a plasma in front of the latter.This plasma generator device is usable in many applications, such as a blowtorch a light source or torch usable in spectrography, a plasma motor or an ion source.

Abstract: A plasma generator comprises a metallic tube of small diameter inside which can circulate a gas such as argon at a small flow rate, which is discharged at the front end of the tube. The tube is coupled with an energizing structure which can comprise a frequency generator supplying electromagnetic microwaves, via a coaxial connection, a coupling structure allowing the transfer of the energy of the generator to the front portion of the metallic tube. In the absence of a gas current in the tube, the front portion radiates the energy transmitted to it in the manner of an antenna. When a gas is discharged at the end of the tube, said energy allows maintaining a plasma in front of the latter.This plasma generator device is usable in many applications, such as a blowtorch a light source or torch usable in spectrography, a plasma motor or an ion source.

Abstract: A system for generating an electrical signal of energy equal to at least 0.5 joule for a time equal to 100 ns. This system comprises capacitor means of the discrete type for energy storage and adapted to be charged to a high voltage and a discharge circuit for said capacitor means comprising in series an electronic switch for controlling the discharge and energy transfer means comprising a first and second output terminals normally intended to be connected to the respective opposite terminals of a load. The energy transfer means comprise flat line means. The first and second metal coatings of these flat line means are connected respectively to the first and second output terminals.

Abstract: A device which generates plasma by energizing a column of gas with a high frequency periodic electric field of a frequency of at least 100MHz. The generating means extends over only a part of the gas column and the power of the energizing field is such that the plasma generated includes and extends beyond said part of the gas column. In one embodiment the gas column is contained in an elongated insulating casing and the generating means comprises a first metallic tube open at both ends and surrounding a part of the casing, a second tube enclosing the first, and a connecting ring between the first and second tubes.