Self-tuned dielectric barrier discharge

A method of generating a plasma discharge in a gas, the method comprising:

• providing a plasma generating system comprising a pair of electrodes spaced apart by an electrode gap with a dielectric disposed in the electrode gap and with the electrodes being driven by a power generating circuit;
• allowing the gas to enter the electrode gap;
• initiating a plasma discharge in the gas within the electrode gap by generating an electric field across the plasma region that is adequate to establish the plasma discharge;
• and
• maintaining sufficient power in the gap during the plasma discharge to allow a plasma impedance to self-tune to the plasma generating system by maintaining the electric field at a level that is approximately equal to or greater than about half the direct current breakdown threshold electric field of the gas at a time when current transfer is near a maximum, where the plasma impedance in combination with the impedance of the plasma generating system can be represented as a dimensionless resistance value of less than or equal to approximately 2.4.

A plasma generating system, comprising:

• a pair of electrodes spaced apart by an electrode gap and having one or more dielectrics disposed in the electrode gap;
• a source of a gas adapted to place the gas in the electrode gap;
• a power generating circuit coupled to the electrodes to generate an electric field across the electrodes so as to initiate a plasma discharge within the electrode gap;
• and
• where the power generating circuit has adequate capacity to maintain a sufficient electric field across the gap during the plasma discharge to allow a plasma impedance to self-tune to the plasma generating system.

A method of generating a plasma discharge in a gas, the method comprising:

• providing a plasma generating system comprising a pair of electrodes spaced apart by an electrode gap of less than about 1000 microns with the electrodes being driven by a power generating circuit;
• where a dielectric is disposed in the electrode gap and the electrode gap excludes the dielectric;
• allowing the gas to enter the electrode gap;
• initiating a plasma discharge in the gas within the electrode gap where the plasma has a dominant resistive component;
• and
• maintaining a sufficient electric field across the gap during the plasma discharge to allow the plasma resistance to self-tune to the plasma generating system.