From: keithrol@hotmail.com (Keith)
Newsgroups: sci.physics.plasma
Subject: Question about creating plasma cloud by elect discharge
Date: 10 Jan 2004 17:05:13 -0800
Organization: http://groups.google.com



Hi folks. I see this group deals mostly with the "big" plasma issues,
but I see no other relevant group, so here goes... :)

I'm creating a plasma "cloud", through which I intend to shoot a gas,
(currently just running in open air). Anyway, I can create a
high-voltage discharge using a high-output auto ignition coil
(isolated secondary) running at 28 volts, and 2 to 6 amps. I'm
driving the MOSFET circuitry with an Atmel 2313 MCU, and I can adjust
the output pulse train frequency and duration, etc, programatically.
Adjusting these parameters I can get differing discharge visual
qualities.

My question is, what is the best plasma "quality" I should shoot for?
I can make an arc that has little discernable blue, and has a large
yellow/white transparent cloud throughout, or is the thin sharp blue
thread at higher frequencies the real plasma I seek? Or does the
plasma exist when I set things up such that the duration is so short
that no arc per se exists, just the precursor blue "streamers" flow
off of each electrode?
Thanks for any pointers.

Keith


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