Abstract: Biodegradable polymers (poly(butylene succinate (PBS)), poly(butylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT)) and poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate terephthalate (PLA/PBAT)) blend) were treated in radiofrequency (13.56 MHz) low-pressure (10 Pa) oxygen with argon post-crosslinking plasma to enhance wettability and adhesion properties. Surface morphology and roughness modification caused by plasma exposure were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Surface chemical modifications of plasma-treated samples were evaluated by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Due to the limited durability of plasma activation, the hydrophobic recovery was evaluated by water contact angle (WCA) measurements. The ageing effect was measured over 15 days in order to assess this kind of treatment as a potential industrial scalable method to increase biodegradable polymers hydrophilic properties for food packaging applications. The effects of polymer activation on its weight loss were also determined. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis was used to study the effect of plasma treatment on the thermal properties of the polymers, while the crystallinity was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD).

Abstract: The outstanding properties and chemistry of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) are not sufficiently understood due to their relatively complex systems and transient properties. In this paper, we tried to present a detailed review of the applications of CAP in modern medicine, highlighting the biochemistry of this phenomenon. Due to its unique characteristics, CAP has emerged as a promising tool in various medical applications. CAP, as a partially—or fully ionized—gas-retaining state of quasi-neutrality, contains many particles, such as electrons, charged atoms, and molecules displaying collective behaviour caused by Coulomb interactions. CAP can be generated at atmospheric pressure, making it suitable for medical settings. Cold plasma’s anti-microbial properties create an alternative method to antibiotics when treating infections. It also enhances cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, leading to accelerated tissue regeneration. CAP can also be a powerful tool in anti-tumour therapies, stem cell proliferation, dental applications, and disease treatment, e.g., neurology. It is our belief that this article contributes to the deeper understanding of cold plasma therapy and its potential in medicine. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the potential of this relatively novel approach as a promising treatment modality. By covering a range of various biomedical fields, we hope to provide a comprehensive overview of CAP applications for multiple medical conditions. In order to gain further insight into the subject, we attempted to gather crucial research and evidence from various studies, hopefully creating a compelling argument in favour of CAP therapy. Our aim is to highlight the innovative aspects of CAP therapy where traditional methods may have limitations. Through this article, we intend to provide a convenient reference source for readers engaged in the examination of CAP’s potential in medicine.

Abstract: A detailed review of the scientific literature was undertaken to examine the most recent developments in plasma processing in the field of medicine. The first part of the review includes a detailed breakdown of the different types of coatings that can be applied onto medical devices using plasma, with a specific focus on antimicrobial surfaces. The developments in plasma-deposited biocompatibles, drug delivery and adhesive coatings in 2023 are described, and specific applications in additive manufacturing are highlighted. The use of plasma and plasma-activated liquids as standalone therapeutics continues to evolve, and pertinent advances in this field are described. In addition, the combination of plasma medicine with conventional pharmaceutical interventions is reviewed, and key emerging trends are highlighted, including the use of plasma to enhance drug delivery directly into tissue. The potential synergies between plasma medicine and chemotherapeutics for oncology and infection treatment are a growing area, and recent advancements are noted. Finally, the use of plasma to control excess antibiotics and to intentionally degrade such materials in waste streams is described.

Abstract: Plasma-driven science is defined as the artificial control of physical plasma-driven phenomena based on complex interactions between nonequilibrium open systems. Recently, peculiar phenomena related to physical plasma have been discovered in plasma boundary regions, either naturally or artificially. Because laboratory plasma can be produced under nominal conditions around atmospheric pressure and room temperature, phenomena related to the interaction of plasma with liquid solutions and living organisms at the plasma boundaries are emerging. Currently, the relationships between these complex interactions should be solved using science-based data-driven approaches; these approaches require a reliable and comprehensive database of dynamic changes in the chemical networks of elementary reactions. Consequently, the elucidation of the mechanisms governing plasma-driven phenomena and the discovery of the latent actions behind these plasma-driven phenomena will be realized through plasma-driven science.

Abstract: Water pollution with microplastics has become a significant concern. Conventional treatment methods have proven ineffective, and alternatives are being explored. Herein, we assess the degradation efficiency of polystyrene (PS) by measuring its nanosecond discharge in air in contact with water. Its discharge is characterized during processing, and a transition from streamer-like to spark-like discharge occurs due to the increased electrical conductivity of water. Experiments are conducted at different frequencies, and the highest degradation is achieved at 10 kHz; an 83% polystyrene weight loss is recorded after 5 min of processing. The optical spectra of the discharge show no evidence of C-species, and an FTIR analysis of the processed polystyrene reveals no structural modifications. An NMR analysis shows the presence of ethylbenzene in water. Finally, a mechanism of PS degradation is proposed.

Abstract: Electron-impact ionization (EII) processes are essential for modelling high-temperature plasma in quite different research areas, from astrophysics to material science to plasma and fusion research and in several places elsewhere. In most, if not all, of these fields, partial and total EII cross sections are required, and often for a good range of electron energies, in order to determine, for instance, the level population of ions and spectral line intensities in plasma under both local and non-local thermodynamic equilibrium conditions. To obey these needs, various kinds of semi-empirical EII cross sections have been applied in practice, often simply because of the large computational demands in dealing explicitly with two free electrons within the continuum. Here, we expand Jac, the Jena Atomic Calculator, to provide such empirical EII cross sections for (most) atoms and ions across the periodic table. Five empirical models from the recent literature have been implemented to support a simple and rapid access to the partial EII cross sections for electrons from a (partly filled) shell (nℓ)q as well as the total ionization cross sections. We here restrict ourselves to the direct part of the EII cross section, whereas the impact excitation of electrons with subsequent autoionization and the resonant electron capture with double autoionization have been left aside in this first implementation. Rapid access to the (direct) EII cross sections will help already to better understand the role of electron-impact processes in the diagnostics of fusion plasma or the interpretation of astrophysical spectra.

Abstract: This study utilizes the Kerr effect in the analysis of a pulsed electric field (intensity ~108 V/m, limited by the liquid dielectric strength) in deionized water at the sub-nanosecond time scale. The results provide information about voltage waveforms at the field-producing anode (160 kV peak, du/dt > 70 kV/ns). The analysis is based on detecting the phase shifts between measured and reference pulsed laser beams (pulse width, 35 ps; wavelength, 532 nm) using a Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The signal-to-noise ratio of the detected phase shift is maximized by an appropriate geometry of the field-producing anode, which creates a correctly oriented strong electric field along the interaction path and simultaneously does not electrically load the feeding transmission line. The described method has a spatial resolution of ~1 μm, and its time resolution is determined by the laser pulse duration.

Abstract: The space-charge effects of pulsed high-current electron beams are very important to high-power particle beam accelerators and high-power microwave devices. The related physical phenomena have been studied for decades, and a large number of informative publications can be found in numerous scientific journals over many years. This review article is aimed at systematically summarizing most of the previous findings in a logical manner. Using a normalized one-dimensional mathematical model, analytical solutions have been obtained for the space-charge-limited current of both planar diode and drifting space. In addition, in the case of a beam current higher than the space-charge-limited current, the virtual cathode behavior and beam current reflection are quantitively studied. Furthermore, the criteria of steady-state virtual cathode formation are investigated, which leads to the physical understanding of the unstable nature of the virtual cathode. This review article is expected to serve as an integrated source of related information for young researchers and students working on high-power microwaves and pulsed particle beams.

Abstract: Runaway electron (RAE) generation in high-pressure gases is an important physical phenomenon that significantly influences discharge shapes and properties of initiated plasma. The diffuse discharges formed due to RAEs in the air and other gases at atmospheric pressure find wide applications. In the present review, theoretical and experimental results that explain the reason for RAE occurrence at high pressures are analyzed, and recommendations are given for the implementation of conditions under which the runaway electron beam (RAEB) with the highest current can be obtained at atmospheric pressure. The experimental results were obtained using subnanosecond, nanosecond, and submicrosecond generators, including those specially developed for runaway electron generation. The RAEBs were recorded using oscilloscopes and collectors with picosecond time resolution. To theoretically describe the phenomenon of continuous electron acceleration, the method of physical kinetics was used based on the Boltzmann kinetic equation that takes into account the minimum but sufficient number of elementary processes, including shock gas ionization and elastic electron scattering. The results of modeling allowed the main factors to be established that control the RAE appearance, the most important of which is electron scattering on neutral atoms and/or molecules. Theoretical modeling has allowed the influence of various parameters (including the voltage, pressure, gas type, and geometrical characteristics of the discharge gap) to be taken into account. The results of the research presented here allow RAE accelerators with desirable parameters to be developed and the possibility of obtaining diffuse discharges to be accessed under various conditions. The review consists of the Introduction, five sections, the Conclusion, and the References.

Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) within recent years have shown great promise in the field of plasma medicine, encompassing a variety of treatments from wound healing to the treatment of cancerous tumors. For each subsequent treatment, a different application of CAPs has been postulated and attempted to best treat the target for the most effective results. These treatments have varied through the implementation of control parameters such as applied settings, electrode geometries, gas flow, and the duration of the treatment. However, with such an extensive number of variables to consider, scientists and engineers have sought a means to accurately control CAPs for the best-desired effects in medical applications. This paper seeks to investigate and characterize the historical precedent for the use of plasma control mechanisms within the field of plasma medicine. Current control strategies, plasma parameters, and control schemes will be extrapolated through recent developments and successes to gain better insight into the future of the field and the challenges that are still present in the overall implementation of such devices. Proposed approaches, such as data-driven machine learning, and the use of closed-loop feedback controls, will be showcased as the next steps toward application.

Abstract: The generation of ozone by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) is widely used for water and wastewater treatment, the control of catalytic reactions, and surface treatment. Recently, a need for compact, effective, and economical ozone and reactive oxygen–nitrogen species (RONS) generators for medical, biological, and agricultural applications has been observed. In this study, a novel hybrid DBD (HDBD) reactor fulfilling such requirements is presented. Its structured high-voltage (HV) electrode allows for the ignition of both the surface and volume microdischarges contributing to plasma generation. A Peltier module cooling of the dielectric barrier, made of alumina, allows for the efficient control of plasma chemistry. The typical electrical power consumption of this device is below 30 W. The operation frequency of the DBD driver oscillating in the auto-resonance mode is from 20 to 40 kHz. The specific energy input (SEI) of the reactor was controlled by the DBD driver input voltage in the range from 10.5 to 18.0 V, the Peltier current from 0 to 4.5 A, the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated (PWM) power varied from 0 to 100%, and the gas flow from 0.5 to 10 SLM. The operation with oxygen, synthetic air, and compressed dry air (CDA) was characterized. The ultraviolet light (UV) absorption technique was implemented for the measurement of the ozone concentration. The higher harmonics of the discharge current observed in the frequency range of 5 to 50 MHz were used for monitoring the discharge net power.

Abstract: This paper describes a new practical numerical model for the calculation of lateral electromagnetic (EM) loads in tokamaks during asymmetric vertical displacement events (AVDEs). The model combines key features of two recently reported trial models while avoiding their drawbacks. Their common basic feature is the superposition of two patterns of halo current: one perfectly symmetric and another perfectly anti-symmetric. This model combines the following features that have not been combined before (a) a helically distorted halo layer wrapping around core plasma, and (b) halo-to-wall interception belts slipping along plasma-facing walls. This combination almost doubles the lateral net forces. An AVDE creates significant lateral net moments. Being relatively modest at VDEs, the lateral moments become a dominant component of EM loads at AVDEs. The model carefully tracks the balance of net EM loads (zero total for the tokamak), as a necessary condition for the consequent numerical simulation of the tokamak’s dynamic response. This balance is needed as well for the development of tokamak monitoring algorithms and simulators. In order to decouple from the current uncertainties in the interpretation and simulation of AVDE physics, the model does not simulate AVDE evolution but uses it as an input assumption based on the existing interpretation and simulation of AVDE physics. This means the model is to be used in a manner of parametric study, at widely varied input assumptions on AVDE evolution and severity. Parametric results will fill a library of ready-for-use waveforms of asymmetric EM loads (distributed and total) at tokamak structures and coils, so that the physics community may point to specific variants for subsequent engineering analysis. This article presents the first practical contribution to this AVDE library.

Abstract: The short-term (5 min) exposure to the supersonic flow of carbon dioxide plasma on ultrahigh-temperature ceramics of HfB2-30vol.%SiC composition has been studied. It was shown that, when established on the surface at a temperature of 1615–1655 °C, the beginning of the formation of an oxidized layer takes place. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies showed that the formation of a porous SiC-depleted region is not possible under the HfO2-SiO2 surface oxide layer. Numerical modeling based on the Navier–Stokes equations and experimental probe measurements of the test conditions were performed. The desirability of continuing systematic studies on the behavior of ultrahigh-temperature ZrB2/HfB2-SiC ceramics, including those doped with various components under the influence of high-enthalpy gas flows, was noted.

Abstract: A free-boundary equilibrium solver for an axisymmetric tokamak geometry was developed based on the finite difference method and Picard iteration in a rectangular computational area. The solver can run either in forward mode, where external coil currents are prescribed until the converged magnetic flux function ψ(R,Z) map is achieved, or in inverse mode, where the desired plasma boundary, with or without an X-point, is prescribed to determine the required coil currents. The equilibrium solutions are made consistent with prescribed plasma parameters, such as the total plasma current, poloidal beta, or safety factor at a specified flux surface. To verify the mathematical correctness and accuracy of the solver, the solution obtained using this numerical solver was compared with that from an analytic fixed-boundary equilibrium solver based on the EAST geometry. Additionally, the proposed solver was benchmarked against another numerical solver based on the finite-element and Newton-iteration methods in a triangular-based mesh. Finally, the proposed solver was compared with equilibrium reconstruction results in DIII-D experiments.

Abstract: The production of spherical powders has recently registered a boost due to the need to fabricate new printing materials for Additive Manufacturing applications, from polymers and resins to metals and ceramics. Among these materials, stainless steels powders play a leading role, since they are widely used in industry and everyday life; indeed, micron-sized spherical stainless steel powders have specific characteristics and are considered as one of the best candidates for Additive Manufacturing systems and for application in a wide range of sectors. In this paper, stainless steel 316 L powders were used to explore and identify the best process parameters of a thermal plasma process able to produce spherical powders for Additive Manufacturing applications. X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Particle Size Distribution and Flowability analysis were performed to characterize reagents and products. Powders with a high circularity (>0.8) and improved flowability (<30 s/50 g) were successfully obtained. The collected results were compared with data available from the literature to identify the potential use of the spherical produced powders.

Abstract: Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are recalcitrant organofluorine contaminants, which demand urgent attention due to their bioaccumulation potential and associated health risks. While numerous current treatments technologies, including certain plasma-based treatments, can degrade PFASs, their complete destruction or mineralization is seldom achieved. Extensive aqueous PFAS mineralization capability coupled with industrial-level scaling potential makes gliding arc plasma (GAP) discharges an interesting and promising technology in PFAS mitigation. In this study, the effects of GAP discharge’s thermal and reactive properties on aqueous perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) mineralization were investigated. Treatments were conducted with air and nitrogen GAP discharges at different plasma gas temperatures to investigate the effects of plasma thermal environment on PFOS mineralization; the results show that treatments with increased plasma gas temperatures lead to increased PFOS mineralization, and discharges in air were able to mineralize PFOS at relatively lower plasma gas temperatures compared to discharges in nitrogen. Studies were conducted to identify if GAP-based PFOS mineralization is a pure thermal process or if plasma reactive chemistry also affects PFOS mineralization. This was done by comparing the effects of thermal environments with and without plasma species (air discharge and air heated to plasma gas temperatures) on PFOS mineralization; the results show that while GAP discharge was able to mineralize PFOS, equivalent temperature air without plasma did not lead to PFOS mineralization. Finally, mineralization during treatments with GAP discharges in argon and air at similar gas temperatures were compared to investigate the role of plasma species in PFOS mineralization. The results demonstrate that treatments with argon (monoatomic gas with higher ionization) lead to increased PFOS mineralization compared to treatments with air (molecular gas with lower ionization), showing the participation of reactive species in PFOS mineralization.

Abstract: This work explores the polymerization of sodium 4-styrenesulfonate (NaSS) inside filter paper using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma and its application in the environmental field. The plasma-based technique, performed under mild conditions, solves common problems associated with conventional polymerization inside porous materials. The polymerization process was monitored using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, which confirmed the consumption of double bonds, particularly in NaSS samples containing the optimal concentration of crosslinker divinyl benzene (DVB) (0.25% wt). Our work demonstrates the effectiveness and promise of DBD plasma as a substitute polymerization approach, especially for those in porous materials.

Abstract: The results from a wide-ranging parametric investigation into the behavior of the collisionless partially magnetized plasma discharge of three propellants—xenon, krypton, and argon—are reported in this two-part article. These studies are performed using high-fidelity reduced-order particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations in a 2D configuration that represents an axial–azimuthal cross-section of a Hall thruster. In this part I paper, we discuss the effects of discharge voltage and current density (mass flow rate). Our parametric studies assess the spectra of the resolved instabilities under various plasma conditions. We evaluate the ability of the relevant theories from the literature to explain the variations in the instabilities’ characteristics across the studied plasma parameter space and for various propellants. Moreover, we investigate the changes in the electrons’ cross-magnetic-field transport, as well as the significance of the contribution of different momentum terms to this phenomenon across the analyzed cases. In terms of salient observations, the ion acoustic instability (IAI)-related modes are found to be dominant across the simulation cases, with the ion transit time instability also seen to develop at low current density values. Across the explored parameter space, the instabilities have the main contributions to the electrons’ transport within the plume region. The peak of the electric momentum force term, representing the effect of the instabilities, overall shifts toward the plume as either the current density or the discharge voltage increases. The numerical findings are compared against relevant experimental observations reported in the literature.

Abstract: Capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) discharges working at low pressure are widely used for the synthesis of thin films and the modification of the surface properties of materials. Due to their importance, considerable research was carried out over the years to understand their working mechanisms, and the physical properties of the CCP discharges were measured by many research groups, while simulations of their characteristics were often performed using both fluid and kinematic models. However, most of the simulation and characterization work found in the literature is focused on the discharge steady-state characteristics, since most of the applications rely on its properties, while less information is available on the early stages. In fact, the initial stages of CCP plasma discharges are of great importance to improve the understanding of their ignition process as well as to figure out the working mechanism of pulsed discharges, the use of which has increased in importance in recent years. In this work, a review of the results published in recent years concerning the physical mechanisms involved in the very first stages of low-pressure CCP discharges is presented, focusing on the first few microseconds of discharge time.

Abstract: We investigate the effects of the magnetostatic (B) field topology on the plasma behavior in a 2D collisionless simulation setup that represents an axial–azimuthal cross-section of a Hall thruster. The influence of the B-field topology is assessed in terms of two principal design properties of the field in a typical Hall thruster, i.e., the field’s peak intensity along the axial direction, and the field’s axial distribution. The effects of the field’s intensity are investigated for three propellants—xenon, krypton, and argon. Whereas, the effects of the axial profile of the magnetic field are studied only for the xenon propellant as an example. We primarily aim to understand how the changes in the B-field topology affect the spectra of the resolved instabilities as well as the electrons’ transport characteristics and the contributions of various momentum terms to transport. The numerical observations on the instabilities’ characteristics are compared against the relevant existing theories to determine the extent to which the simulated and the theoretically predicted characteristics are consistent across the studied parameter space. It was, most notably, found that modes related to ion acoustic instability are dominantly present across the simulation cases. The ion transit time instability additionally develops at the highest B-field intensities as a long-wavelength structure. The main influence of the axial profile of the B field on the plasma discharge was observed to be in terms of the electrons’ transport characteristics. Where possible, the insights from the simulations are discussed with respect to the relevant experimental observations available in the literature.

Abstract: This work is an addition to the previously developed two-dimensional model of the shock–plasma interaction, extending it into the third dimension. The model can trace the evolution of the state of the hypersonic flow and the shock front refracted at a thermal discontinuity. The advantages of using the spherical coordinate system for this type of problem include increased transparency in interpreting the solution and a shortened calculation procedure, because all the changes to the front are reduced to one distortion component. Although the vorticity generation triggered at the interface is a consequence of the refraction and tied to the steep changes in the front, it is shown here that this is not because of an instant parameter jump at the interface due to refraction itself.

Abstract: To realize the development of a long plasma source with a uniform electron density distribution in the axial direction, the spatial distribution of plasma under a multi-cusp magnetic field was analyzed using a KEIO-MARC code. Considering a cylindrical plasma source with an axial length of 3000 mm and a cross-sectional diameter of 100 mm, in which the filament electrode was the electron source, the electron density distribution was calculated using the residual magnetic flux density, Bres, and the number of permanent magnets installed at different locations surrounding the device, Nmag, as design parameters. The results show that both Bres and Nmag improved the uniformity of the electron density distribution in the axial direction. The maximum axial electron density decreased with increasing Nmag and increased with increasing Bres. These trends can be explained by considering the nature of the multi-cusp field, where particles are mainly confined to the field-free region (FFR) near the center of the plasma column, and the loss of particles due to radial particle transport. The use of multiple filaments at intervals shorter than the plasma decay length dramatically improved axial uniformity. To further improve axial uniformity, the filament length and FFR must be properly set so that electrons are emitted inside the FFR.

Abstract: The radiative heat transfer in arc plasma models is considered from the point of view of its description in terms of a net emission coefficient, the method of spherical harmonics in its lowest order, and the discrete ordinate method. Net emission coefficients are computed, applying approximate analytical and numerical approaches and a multi-band representation of the spectral absorption coefficient with three kinds of its averaging and two datasets. Self-consistent access to the radiative heat transfer is applied to a two-dimensional axisymmetric model of a free-burning arc in argon at atmospheric pressure. The results obtained from the models employing the net emission coefficient, the method of spherical harmonics, and the discrete ordinate method are compared.

Abstract: This work investigates CO2 conversion using atmospheric pressure low-current gliding discharges (GD). The following three modifications are studied: classic GD; magnetically accelerated GD (MAGD); and magnetically retarded GD (MRGD). In the latter two, permanent magnets produce a magnetic field that either accelerates or retards the discharge downstream. The gas flow is confined between quartz plates and the electrodes, with varying channel thicknesses. The magnetic configurations improve the performance compared to the classic GD, with up to 30% higher energy efficiency and up to a 50% higher conversion rate. The highest conversion rate is 11–12% with 10% energy efficiency, while the highest efficiency is 40% with 5% conversion, achieved with MRGD and MAGD at channel thicknesses of 2 mm and 3 mm.

Abstract: Methylene blue (C16H18ClN3) dye can be decomposed using non-thermal plasma. However, there is a problem in that the maintenance of electrodes and dielectrics is necessary due to the durability and heat generation problems due to the high temperatures. Therefore, in this study, a comparative experiment was performed between the flat DBD plasma module and the diffuser DBD module under the same conditions. For methylene blue decomposition, the characteristic changes in the air flow rate, ozone production rate, energy consumption rate, and decomposition rate were compared. In the experiment, 7 L water was placed in a 15 L reactor, and measurements were performed for approximately 1 h. We performed the same process by setting the initial methylene blue concentration to 143 mg/L. According to the results, the flat DBD module achieved a decomposition rate of 100% in 40 min, an energy yield of 46.7 g/kWh, and an ozone generation amount of 6.5 g/h. The diffuser DBD module achieved a decomposition rate of 90%, an energy production of 24.6 g/kWh, and an ozone generation of 1.97 g/h in 60 min.

Abstract: This article provides an up-to-date overview of the problems associated with the detection of hot electrons escaping from laser-produced plasma and corresponding return current flowing from the ground to the target, which neutralises the positive charge occurring on the target due to the escaped electrons. In addition, the target holder system acts as an antenna emitting an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), which is powered by the return target. If the amount of positive charge generated on the target is equal to the amount of charge carried away from the plasma by the escaping electrons, the measurement of the return current makes it possible to determine this charge, and thus also the number of escaped electrons. Methods of return current detection in the mA–10 kA range is presented, and the corresponding charge is compared to the charge determined using calibrated magnetic electron energy analysers. The influence of grounded and insulated targets on the number of escaped electrons and EMP intensity is discussed. In addition to EMP detection, mapping of the electrical potential near the target is mentioned.

Abstract: This work reports on observations of positive and negative nanosecond-pulsed discharge in liquid argon. The structures of both positive and negative discharges, their sizes, and the propagation velocities exhibit remarkable similarity. Similar to the streamers in liquid nitrogen and gases, negative streamers require higher applied voltages (electric fields) and propagate to shorter distances. For both polarities, the spectra are almost identical and appear to be a superposition of strongly broadened atomic lines, with preliminary analysis of broadening indicating densities of about 40% that of liquid.

Abstract: Spectral line shapes are a key ingredient of hot-plasma opacity calculations. Since resorting to elaborate line-shape models remains prohibitive for intensive opacity calculations involving ions in different excitation states, with L, M, etc., shells are populated, and Voigt profiles often represent a reliable alternative. The corresponding profiles result from the convolution of a Gaussian function (for Doppler and sometimes ionic Stark broadening) and a Lorentzian function, for radiative decay (sometimes referred to as “natural” width) and electron-impact broadening. However, their far-wing behavior is incorrect, which can lead to an overestimation of the opacity. The main goal of the present work was to determine the energy (or frequency) at which the Lorentz wings of a Voigt profile intersect with the underlying Gaussian part of the profile. It turns out that such an energy cut-off, which provides us information about the dominant line-broadening process in a given energy range, can be expressed in terms of the Lambert W function, which finds many applications in physics. We also review a number of representations of the Voigt profile, with an emphasis on the pseudo-Voigt decomposition, which lends itself particularly well to cut-off determination.

Abstract: Mechanical polishing of a product makes it possible to decrease the roughness of its surface to Ra = 0.001 µm by rubbing it with a fine abrasive contained in a fabric or other soft material. This method takes too much time and is associated with abrasive particles and microscopic scratches remaining after the processing. As such, a non-contact treatment with plasma and accelerated particles has been chosen in the present work to study polishing of ceramic samples. The small angular divergence of fast argon atoms made it possible to obtain the dependence of the sample roughness on the angle α of the atom’s incidence on its surface. It was found that the roughness weakly depends on the angle α, if not exceeding the threshold value αo ~ 50°, and rapidly decreases with increasing α > αo. Polishing with fast argon atoms leads to a noticeable decrease in friction of ceramic samples.