On atmospheric-pressure non-equilibrium plasma jets and plasma bullets

TLDR

Atmospheric‑pressure non‑equilibrium plasma jets generate plasma in open space rather than a confined discharge gap, and have attracted significant recent interest. This review surveys the development of APNP‑Js and outlines future research perspectives. The authors categorize APNP‑Js by ignition gas, describe plasma‑bullet behavior, examine recent controlled‑environment studies, and discuss jet–jet interactions. The paper highlights prospective research directions for advancing APNP‑J technology.

Abstract

Atmospheric-pressure non-equilibrium plasma jets (APNP-Js), which generate plasma in open space rather than in a confined discharge gap, have recently been a topic of great interest. In this paper, the development of APNP-Js will be reviewed. Firstly, the APNP-Js are grouped based on the type of gas used to ignite them and their characteristics are discussed in detail. Secondly, one of the most interesting phenomena of APNP-Js, the 'plasma bullet', is discussed and its behavior described. Thirdly, the very recent developments on the behavior of plasma jets when launched in a controlled environment and pressure are also introduced. This is followed by a discussion on the interaction between plasma jets. Finally, perspectives on APNP-J research are presented.