Microplasma generation in artificial media and its potential applications

Abstract

Unlike the generation of uniform plasmas in a large volume, structured plasma comprising microplasmas has attracted increasing scientific and technological interest in recent years. Similarly, the concept of plasma generation in artificial media with gas–gas, gas–liquid, and gas–solid interfaces under intentionally organized and controlled conditions has the potential to open a new field in plasma science and technology. Amongst the subtopics of plasma generation in artificial media, we discuss here those dealing with micro-plasma jets in flowing gas channels, microdischarges within microbubbles generated in aqueous electrolyte solutions, and discharges in bubbled water and misted air. Our discussion is supported by preliminary results and aims to stimulate future systematic and quantitative investigations.