Plasma-assisted engine exhaust treatment

An engine exhaust treatment system comprising:

• at least one conduit comprising:
• an inlet portion configured to connect to an engine block and receive an engine exhaust gas,
• an outlet portion for emitting the gas, and
• an intermediate portion for conveying the gas from the inlet portion to the outlet portion and having internal dimensions configured to support at least one electromagnetic radiation mode for forming a plasma therein from the exhaust gas in the presence of a plasma catalyst;
• and
• a source for supplying electromagnetic radiation to the intermediate portion, wherein the radiation has a frequency less than about 333 GHz.

A mobile vehicle comprising:

• a chassis;
• a combustion engine connected to the chassis;
• an engine exhaust treatment system configured to receive exhaust gases from the engine, wherein the system comprises at least one conduit, where the conduit that includes an inlet portion configured to connect to an engine block and receive an engine exhaust gas, an outlet portion for emitting the gas, and an intermediate portion for conveying the gas from the inlet portion to the outlet portion;
• at least one plasma cavity located proximate the inlet portion for treating the gas;
• and
• an electromagnetic radiation source configured to supply radiation to the cavity, wherein the radiation has a frequency less than about 333 GHz.