Experimental physics

Low Temperature Plasmas and Microplasmas

This section deals with the development and characterization of low temperature plasma discharges operating at low pressures, at atmospheric pressure or above. Low pressure plasma discharges are governed by various energy coupling mechanisms and by the rich chemistry driven by the complex electron energy distribution function. Microplasmas - plasmas being confined within narrow spaces (~10µm) allow the stable operation of plasmas with non-equilibrium properties. Microplasmas are characterized by high electron densities and very low electron temperatures. All this research is accompanied by appropriate multi-scale models based on an improved theoretical understanding.