New hybrid source of cold atmospheric plasma

New cold atmospheric plasma sources that combine microwave plasma with the hollow cathode plasma generated simultaneously by a common hollow electrode are described. A laboratory prototype of a hybrid hollow electrode activated discharge (H-HEAD) source with simple cylindrical electrode is presented. The hollow cathode plasma is generated by a pulsed DC power. The source is capable to generate over 15 cm long plasma plumes in open air at microwave power of 500 W at less than 500 seem of argon flow. Parameters of the hybrid plasma plume are controlled by both the microwave generator and the hollow cathode power generator. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.