Optical diagnostics of a kHz-driven helium atmospheric pressure plasma jet

These plasma sources operate at a low gas temperature and produce an abundance of highly reactive chemical species making them ideal candidates for numerous application purposes such as biomedical treatment, surface modification, and agricultural applications. In particular, atmospheric pressure plasma jets are extremely versatile tools due to their ability to operate in the open air.

The plasma plume extends beyond the confinements of the device and can be up to several centimeters in length, allowing treatment of otherwise remote locations. The main obstacle faced by operating in the open air is the lack of control of the surrounding environment. This makes understanding the plasma chemistry, biology, and physical behaviour much more difficult since collisional reactions with ambient air now play a dominant role.