Characterization of an argon radiofrequency plasma jet discharge continuously passing from low to atmospheric pressure

Abstract

We present results describing the behavior of a radiofrequency plasma jet discharge with bare electrodes generated in argon during a continuous pressure increase from low (10 mbar) to atmospheric pressure (1000 mbar). Both the interelectrodic space and the expansion plasma regions were studied by means of imagistic, electrical and spectral methods. It is shown that different operation regimes are encountered when pressure changes from low to atmospheric values, with a quasi-unstable or smooth transition between them in the intermediate pressure range. However, the continuous operation of the plasma beam discharge source in the non-thermal regime is demonstrated for the entire pressure range.