Optical system for monitoring plasma reactions and reactors

A plasma generating system, comprising:

• a plasma cavity for generating a plasma therewithin by use of microwave energy;
• a flow inlet being configured to introduce a gas into the plasma cavity, the gas to enter the plasma cavity in a direction that is not along a central axis of the plasma cavity, the flow inlet being at a first end of the plasma cavity and configured to generate a vortex flow within the plasma cavity using the gas, the flow inlet having a first opening, a second opening, and a gas passageway disposed therethrough from the first opening to the second opening, the gas passageway being curved to enhance a vorticity of the flow;
• a detection unit for measuring intensities of light emitted by the plasma cavity;
• and
• a controller for controlling the detection unit.