Abstract:
Plasma-assisted methods and apparatus that use multiple radiation sources are provided. In one embodiment, a plasma is ignited by subjecting a gas in a radiation cavity to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency less than about 333 GHz in the presence of a plasma catalyst, which may be passive or active. A controller can be used to delay activation of one radiation source with respect to another radiation source.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for plasma-assisted processing multiple work pieces in a manufacturing line. The manufacturing line can include a plurality of microwave cavities, each of the microwave cavities igniting and sustaining a microwave plasma. Work pieces can be shuttled between the plurality of microwave cavities on a conveyance system that controls the positioning of each of the work pieces.
Abstract:
Methods and systems (10) for plasma-assisted nitrogen surface-treatments are provided. The method can include subjecting a gas (24) to electromagnetic radiation (26) in the presence of a plasma catalyst (100, 120, 140) to initiate a plasma containing nitrogen. The surface region of an object can be exposed to the plasma for a period of time sufficient to transfer at least some of the nitrogen from the plasma to the object through the surface region.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a plasma for synthesizing carbon structures. In one embodiment, a method is provided for synthesizing a carbon structure including forming a plasma by subjecting a gas to electromagnetic radiation in the presence of a plasma catalyst and adding at least one carbonaceous material to the plasma to grow the carbon structures on a substrate. Various types of plasma catalysts are also provided.
Abstract:
A microwave combustion system is presented that can replace the conventional spark plug in an internal combustion engine. One or more microwave pulses are provided to a microwave feed in a plug that sits in the cylinder. A microwave generated plasma generated by the plug in the vicinity of a fuel mixture can provide for highly efficient combustion of the fuel-air mixture.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a plasma for various plasma processes and treatments. In one embodiment, a plasma is ignited by subjecting a gas in a multi-mode processing cavity to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency between about 1 MHz and about 333 GHz in the presence of a plasma catalyst, which may be passive or active. A passive plasma catalyst may include, for example, any object capable of inducing a plasma by deforming a local electric field. An active plasma catalyst can include any particle or high energy wave packet capable of transferring a sufficient amount of energy to a gaseous atom or molecule to remove at least one electron from the gaseous atom or molecule, in the presence of electromagnetic radiation.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a plasma (615) for coating objects (250). In one embodiment, a method of coating a surface of an object (250) includes forming a plasma (615) in a cavity (230) by subjecting a gas to electromagnetic radiation in the presence of a plasma catalyst (240) and adding at least one coating material (510) to the plasma (615) by energizing the material (510) with, for example, a laser (500). The material (510) is allowed to deposit on the surface of the object (250) to form a coating. Various types of plasma (240) catalysts are also provided.
Abstract:
A method of cooking a food item is disclosed. The food item is placed in a microwave cavity and exposed to a microwave generated plasma. In such fashion, the food item is cooked very quickly while maintaining flavor, texture, appearance, smell, and taste.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for plasma-assisted joining of one or more parts together are provided. The joining process may include, for example, placing at least first and second joining areas in proximity to one another in a cavity, forming a plasma in the cavity by subjecting a gas to electromagnetic radiation in the presence of a plasma catalyst, and sustaining the plasma at least until the first and second joining areas are joined. Plasma catalysts, and methods and apparatus for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a joining plasma, are provided. Additional cavity shapes, and methods and apparatus for selective plasma-joining, are also provided.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a plasma for various plasma processes and treatments. In one embodiment, a plasma is ignited by subjecting a gas in a multi-mode processing cavity to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency between about 1 MHz and about 333 GHz in the presence of a plasma catalyst, which may be passive or active. A passive plasma catalyst may include, for example, any object capable of inducing a plasma by deforming a local electric field. An active plasma catalyst can include any particle or high energy wave packet capable of transferring a sufficient amount of energy to a gaseous atom or molecule to remove at least one electron from the gaseous atom or molecule, in the presence of electromagnetic radiation.