Plasma device driven by multiple-phase alternating or pulsed electrical current

A plasma source comprising:

• at least three electrodes, including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode, the at least three electrodes being arranged linearly such that a first distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is smaller than a second distance between the first electrode and the third electrode;
• and
• a source of power capable of producing multiple output waves, including a first output wave, a second output wave, and a third output wave, wherein the first output wave and the second output wave are out of phase, the second output wave and the third output wave are out of phase, and the first output wave and the third output wave are out of phase;
• wherein each electrode is electrically connected to the source of power such that the first electrode is electrically connected to the first output wave, the second electrode is electrically connected to the second output wave, and the third electrode is electrically connected to the third output wave;
• wherein electrical current flows between the at least three electrodes that are out of electrical phase;
• wherein each electrode alternately serves as anode and cathode when powered by the multiple output waves, and
• wherein the plasma source is capable of generating a plasma between the electrodes, including a first plasma directly between the first electrode and the second electrode, a second plasma directly between the second electrode and the third electrode, and a third plasma directly between the first electrode and the third electrode.