Contrasting Characteristics of Atmospheric Pressure Cold Plasma Jets With Different Tube Materials

The effect of the tube materials on the characteristics of an argon atmospheric pressure cold plasma jet is investigated through a single-electrode configuration driven by ac power supply. Two kinds of tube materials, Pyrex glass and 95% alumina ceramic, are applied in the experiments. Results show that, with the change of tube material, both the discharge current and the plume length are barely affected, whereas the plume volume exhibits an enormous distinction. In comparison with the results obtained in the ceramic tube, the peak volume can increase by 65% in the glass tube, while the increment of the peak length is only 2%. Through the analysis, the difference in the thermal conductivity between the glass and the ceramic is regarded as the main reason.