State-of-the-art of atmospheric discharge plasmas

We reviewed a brief history, production methods, and classifications concerning atmospheric discharge plasmas, and compared the atmospheric-pressure and low-pressure gas discharge plasma sources form the aspects of fundamental research and applications. Moreover, we summarized the state-of-the-art of the typical applications of different atmospheric discharge plasma sources in the fields of bio-medical science, environmental protection, advanced materials synthesis, active flow control, and plasma-aided combustion, including the R&D progress and the key problems to be solved in the preceding applications. Thereby, we discussed the key scientific and technological issues encountered during the present R&D stage of the atmospheric plasmas. This will be helpful for developing the multi-disciplinary application-oriented plasma science and technology in future.