Study of plasma parameters of coaxial plasma source using triple Langmuir probe and Faraday cup diagnostics

Coaxial plasma guns are a type of plasma source that produces plasma which propagates radially and axially controlled by the shape of the ground electrode, which has attracted much interest in several applications. In this work, a 120° opening angle of CPG nozzle is used as a plasma gun configuration that operates at the energy of 150 J. The ionization of polyethylene insulator between the electrodes of the gun produces a cloud of hydrogen and carbon plasma.The triple Langmuir probe and Faraday cup are used to measure plasma density and plasma temperature. These methods are used to measure the on-axis and off-axis plasma divergence of the coaxial plasma gun. The peak values of ion densities measured at a distance of 25 mm on-axis from the plasma gun are(1.6±0.5)×10^(19)m^(-3)and(2.8±0.6)×10^(19)m^(-3)for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively and the peak temperature is 3.02±0.5 eV. The mean propagation velocity of plasma is calculated using the transit times of plasma at different distances from the plasma gun and is found to be 4.54±0.25 cm/μs and 1.81±0.18 cm/μs for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively. The Debye radius is obtained from the measured experimental data that satisfies the thin sheath approximation. The shot-to-shot stability of plasma parameters facilitates the use of plasma guns in laboratory experiments. These types of plasma sources can be used in many applications like plasma opening switches, plasma devices, and as plasma sources.

Final results of the first phase of the PROTO-SPHERA experiment: obtainment of the full current stable screw pinch and first evidences of the jet + torus combined plasma configuration

In astrophysics, the boundary conditions for plasma phenomena are provided by nature and the astronomer faces the problem of understanding them from a variety of observations [Hester J J et al 1996 Astrophys. J. 456 225], on the other hand, in laboratory plasma experiments the electromagnetic boundary conditions become a major problem in the set-up of the machine that produces the plasma, an issue that has to be investigated step by step and to be modified and adapted with great patience, in particular in the case of an innovative plasma confinement experiment. The PROTO-SPHERA machine [Alladio F et al 2006 Nucl. Fusion 46 S613] is a magnetic confinement experiment, that emulates in the laboratory the jet + torus plasma configurations often observed in astrophysics: an inner magnetized jet of plasma centered on the(approximate) axis of symmetry and surrounded by a magnetized plasma torus orthogonal to this jet. The PROTO-SPHERA plasma is simply connected, i.e., no metal current conducting rod is linked to the plasma torus, while instead it is the inner magnetized plasma jet(in the following always called the plasma centerpost) that is linked to the torus. It is mandatory that no spurious plasma current path modifies the optimal shape of the plasma centerpost. Moreover, as the plasma torus is produced and sustained, in absence of any applied inductive electric field, by the inner plasma centerpost through magnetic reconnections [Taylor J B and Turner M F 1989 Nucl.Fusion 29 219], it is required as well that spurious current paths do not surround the torus on its outboard, in order not to lower the efficiency of the magnetic reconnections that maintain the plasma torus at the expense of the plasma centerpost. Boundary conditions have been corrected,up to the point that the first sustainment in steady state has been achieved for the combined plasma.

The multi-peak point phenomenon of broadband microwave reflection caused by inhomogeneous plasma

During spacecraft re-entry,the challenge of measuring plasma sheath parameters directly contributes to difficulties in addressing communication blackout.In this work,we have discovered a phenomenon of multiple peaks in reflection data caused by the inhomogeneous plasma.Simulation results show that the multi-peak points fade away as the characteristic frequency is approached,resembling a series of gradually decreasing peaks.The positions and quantities of these points are positively correlated with electron density,yet they show no relation to collision frequency.This phenomenon is of significant reference value for future studies on the spatial distribution of plasmas,particularly for using microwave reflection signals in diagnosing the plasma sheath.

Experimental confirmation of the linear relation between plasma current and external vertical magnetic field in EXL-50 spherical torus energetic electron plasmas

A three-fluid equilibrium plasma with bulk plasma and energetic electrons has been observed on the Xuanlong-50(EXL-50) spherical torus, where the energetic electrons play a crucial role in sustaining the plasma current and pressure. In this study, the equilibrium of a multi-fluid plasma was investigated by analyzing the relationship between the external vertical magnetic field(B_(V)),plasma current(I_(p)), the poloidal ratio(β_(p)) and the Shafranov formula. Remarkably, our research demonstrates some validity of the Shafranov formula in the presence of multi-fluid plasma in EXL-50 spherical torus. This finding holds significant importance for future reactors as it allows for differentiation between alpha particles and background plasma. The study of multi-fluid plasma provides a significant reference value for the equilibrium reconstruction of burning plasma involving alpha particles.

Tunable energy spectrum betatron x-ray sources in a plasma wakefield

X-ray sources with tunable energy spectra have a wide range of applications in different scenarios due to their different penetration depths.However,existing x-ray sources face difficulties in terms of energy regulation.In this paper,we present a scheme for tuning the energy spectrum of a betatron x-ray generated from a relativistic electron bunch oscillating in a plasma wakefield.The center energy of the x-ray source can be tuned from several keV to several hundred keV by changing the plasma density,thereby extending the control range by an order of magnitude.At different central energies,the brightness of the betatron radiation is in the range of 3.7×10^(22)to 5.5×10^(22)photons/(0.1%BW·s·mm^(2)·mrad^(2))and the photon divergence angle is about 2 mrad.This high-brightness,energy-controlled betatron source could pave the way to a wide range of applications requiring photons of specific energy,such as phase-contrast imaging in medicine,non-destructive testing and material analysis in industry,and imaging in nuclear physics.

Customized modulation on plasma uniformity by non-uniform magnetic field in capacitively coupled plasma

A two-dimensional fluid model based on COMSOL Multiphysics is developed to investigate the modulation of static magnetic field on plasma homogeneity in a capacitively coupled plasma(CCP)chamber. To generate a static magnetic field, direct current is applied to a circular coil located at the top of the chamber. By adjusting the magnetic field's configuration, which is done by altering the coil current and position, both the plasma uniformity and density can be significantly modulated. In the absence of the magnetic field, the plasma density exhibits an inhomogeneous distribution characterized by higher values at the plasma edge and lower values at the center. The introduction of a magnetic field generated by coils results in a significant increase in electron density near the coils. Furthermore, an increase in the sets of coils improves the uniformity of the plasma. By flexibly adjusting the positions of the coils and the applied current,a substantial enhancement in overall uniformity can be achieved. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using this method for achieving uniform plasma densities in industrial applications.

Edge effect during microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition diamond-film:Multiphysics simulation and experimental verification

This study focused on the investigation of the edge effect of diamond films deposited by microwave plasma chemical vapor de-position.Substrate bulge height△h is a factor that affects the edge effect,and it was used to simulate plasma and guide the diamond-film deposition experiments.Finite-element software COMSOL Multiphysics was used to construct a multiphysics(electromagnetic,plasma,and fluid heat transfer fields)coupling model based on electron collision reaction.Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were performed to characterize the experimental growth and validate the model.The simulation results reflected the experimental trends observed.Plasma discharge at the edge of the substrate accelerated due to the increase in△h(△h=0-3 mm),and the values of electron density(n_(c)),molar concentration of H(C_(H)),and molar concentration of CH_(3)(C_(CH_(3)))doubled at the edge(for the special concave sample with△h=−1 mm,the active chemical groups exhibited a decreased molar concentration at the edge of the substrate).At=0-3 mm,a high diamond growth rate and a large diamond grain size were observed at the edge of the substrate,and their values increased with.The uniformity of film thickness decreased with.The Raman spectra of all samples revealed the first-order characteristic peak of dia-mond near 1332 cm^(−1).When△h=−1 mm,tensile stress occurred in all regions of the film.When△h=1-3 mm,all areas in the film ex-hibited compressive stress.

A research on the effect of plasma spectrum collection device on LIBS spectral intensity

Only a small amount of spectral information is collected because the collection solid angle of the optical fiber probe and lens is very limited when collecting spectral information.To overcome this limitation,this study presents a novel method for acquiring plasma spectral information from various spatial directions.A parabolic-shaped plasma spectral collection device(PSCD)is employed to effectively collect more spectral information into the spectrometer,thereby enhancing the overall spectral intensity.The research objects in this study were soil samples containing different concentrations of heavy metals Pb,Cr,and Cd.The results indicate that the PSCD significantly enhances the spectral signal,with an enhancement rate of up to 45%.Moreover,the signal-to-noise ratio also increases by as much as 36%.Simultaneously,when compared to the absence of a device,it is found that there is no significant variation in plasma temperature when the PSCD is utilized.This observation eliminates the impact of the spatial effect caused by the PSCD on the spectral intensity.Consequently,a concentrationspectral intensity relationship curve is established under the PSCD.The results revealed that the linear fitting R^(2)for Pb,Cr,and Cd increased by 0.011,0.001,and 0.054,respectively.Additionally,the limit of detection(LOD)decreased by 0.361 ppm,0.901 ppm,and 0.602 ppm,respectively.These findings indicate that the spectral enhancement rate elevates with the increase in heavy metal concentration.Hence,the PSCD can effectively enhance the spectral intensity and reduce the detection limit of heavy metals in soil.

Wave field structure and power coupling features of blue-core helicon plasma driven by various antenna geometries and frequencies

This paper deals with wave propagation and power coupling in blue-core helicon plasma driven by various antennas and frequencies.It is found that compared to non-blue-core mode,for blue-core mode,the wave can propagate in the core region,and it decays sharply outside the core.The power absorption is lower and steeper in radius for blue-core mode.Regarding the effects of antenna geometry for blue-core mode,it shows that half helix antenna yields the strongest wave field and power absorption,while loop antenna yields the lowest.Moreover,near axis,for antennas with m=+1,the wave field increases with axial distance.In the core region,the wave number approaches to a saturation value at much lower frequency for non-blue-core mode compared to blue-core mode.The total loading resistance is much lower for blue-core mode.These findings are valuable to understanding the physics of blue-core helicon discharge and optimizing the experimental performance of blue-core helicon plasma sources for applications such as space propulsion and material treatment.

Effect of coil and chamber structure on plasma radial uniformity in radio frequency inductively coupled plasma

Enhancing plasma uniformity can be achieved by modifying coil and chamber structures in radio frequency inductively coupled plasma(ICP)to meet the demand for large-area and uniformly distributed plasma in industrial manufacturing.This study utilized a two-dimensional self-consistent fluid model to investigate how different coil configurations and chamber aspect ratios affect the radial uniformity of plasma in radio frequency ICP.The findings indicate that optimizing the radial spacing of the coil enhances plasma uniformity but with a reduction in electron density.Furthermore,optimizing the coil within the ICP reactor,using the interior point method in the Interior Point Optimizer significantly enhances plasma uniformity,elevating it from 56%to 96%within the range of the model sizes.Additionally,when the chamber aspect ratio k changes from 2.8 to 4.7,the plasma distribution changes from a center-high to a saddleshaped distribution.Moreover,the plasma uniformity becomes worse.Finally,adjusting process parameters,such as increasing source power and gas pressure,can enhance plasma uniformity.These findings contribute to optimizing the etching process by improving plasma radial uniformity.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2(LRP2)is required for lipid export in the midgut of the migratory locust,Locusta migratoria

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 2(LRP2)is a multifunctional endocytic receptor expressed in epithelial cells.In mammals,it acts as an endocytic receptor that mediates the cellular uptake of cholesterol-containing apolipoproteins to maintain lipid homeostasis.However,little is known about the role of LRP2 in lipid homeostasis in insects.In the present study,we investigated the function of LRP2 in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria(LmLRP2).The mRNA of LmLRP2 is widely distributed in various tissues,including integument,wing pads,foregut,midgut,hindgut,Malpighian tubules and fat body,and the amounts of LmLRP2 transcripts decreased gradually in the early stages and then increased in the late stages before ecdysis during the nymphal developmental stage.Fluorescence immunohistochemistry revealed that the LmLRP2 protein is mainly located in cellular membranes of the midgut and hindgut.Using RNAi to silence LmLRP2 caused molting defects in nymphs(more than 60%),and the neutral lipid was found to accumulate in the midgut and surface of the integument,but not in the fat body,of dsLmLRP2-treated nymphs.The results of a lipidomics analysis showed that the main components of lipids(diglyceride and triglyceride)were significantly increased in the midgut,but decreased in the fat body and hemolymph.Furthermore,the content of total triglyceride was significantly increased in the midgut,but markedly decreased in the fat body and hemolymph in dsLmLRP2-injected nymphs.Our results indicate that LmLRP2 is located in the cellular membranes of midgut cells,and is required for lipid export from the midgut to the hemolymphand fat body in locusts.

Plasma density enhancement in radio-frequency hollow electrode discharge

The plasma density enhancement outside hollow electrodes in capacitively coupled radio-frequency(RF) discharges is investigated by a two-dimensional(2D) particle-in-cell/Monte-Carlo collision(PIC/MCC) model. Results show that plasma exists inside the cavity when the sheath inside the hollow electrode hole is fully collapsed, which is an essential condition for the plasma density enhancement outside hollow electrodes. In addition, the existence of the electron density peak at the orifice is generated via the hollow cathode effect(HCE), which plays an important role in the density enhancement. It is also found that the radial width of bulk plasma at the orifice affects the magnitude of the density enhancement, and narrow radial plasma bulk width at the orifice is not beneficial to obtain high-density plasma outside hollow electrodes.Higher electron density at the orifice, combined with larger radial plasma bulk width at the orifice,causes higher electron density outside hollow electrodes. The results also imply that the HCE strength inside the cavity cannot be determined by the magnitude of the electron density outside hollow electrodes.

Genetically Predicted Plasma Levels of Amino Acids and Endometriosis:A Mendelian Randomization Study

Endometriosis(EMS)is one of the most common disorders among women of reproductive age and affects approximately 6%–10%of the world total population^([1]).Women with EMS often experience symptoms such as dysmenorrhea,infertility,or difficulties in conceiving.Recent studies focusing on amino acids(AAs)metabolism have shed light on the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of EMS^([2]).

Plasma Lysophosphatidylcholine and Phospholipase A2 Activity in Chagas Disease Patients: A Comparative Analysis

Chagas disease (CD) affects 21 countries in the Americas and is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. A key molecule involved in CD is lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), which has been studied in various contexts: in the saliva of insect vectors, during the establishment of infection in the vertebrate host, and for the parasite itself. This lipid can be produced by the action of phospholipases A2 (PLA2), enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of phospholipids releasing fatty acids and lysophospholipids, such as LPC. This study investigates LPC levels and PLA2 activities in the plasma of CD patients and compares these levels with those in healthy individuals and patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). Plasma from 64 CD patients, 54 healthy individuals, and 16 IDCM patients were analyzed. LPC levels and the activity of two types of phospholipase A2: secreted (sPLA2) and lipoprotein-associated (Lp-PLA2) were measured. LPC levels and sPLA2 activity were similar between CD patients and the control groups. However, there were notable differences in LPC levels and sPLA2 activity between subgroups of CD patients and IDCM patients. This study is the first to identify LPC in patients with CD across various stages of the disease. It also offers new insights into the biochemical changes observed in the plasma of patients with IDCM.

Particle-in-cell simulations of EUV-induced hydrogen plasma in the vicinity of a reflective mirror

Particle-In-Cell(PIC)simulations were performed in this work to study the dynamics of the EUVinduced hydrogen plasma.The Monte-Carlo Collision(MCC)model was employed to deal with the collisions between charged particles and background gas molecules.The dynamic evolution of the plasma sheath,as well as the flux and energy distribution of ions impacting on the mirror surface,was discussed.It was found that the emission of secondary electrons under the EUV irradiation on the ruthenium mirror coating creates a positively charged wall and then prevents the ions from impacting on the mirror and therefore changes the flux and energy distribution of ions reaching the mirror.Furthermore,gas pressure has a notable effect on the plasma sheath and the characteristics of the ions impinging on the mirrors.With greater gas pressure,the sheath potential decreases more rapidly.The flux of ions received by the mirror grows approximately linearly and at the same time the energy corresponding to the peak flux decreases slightly.However,the EUV source intensity barely changes the sheath potential,and its influence on the ion impact is mainly limited to the approximate linear increase in ion flux.

Characterization of distinct microbiota associated with androgenetic alopecia patients treated and untreated with platelet-rich plasma(PRP)

Background:Androgenic alopecia(AGA)is the most common type of hair loss in men,and there are many studies on the treatment of hair loss by platelet-rich plasma(PRP).The human scalp contains a huge microbiome,but its role in the process of hair loss remains unclear,and the relationship between PRP and the microbiome needs further study.Therefore,the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PRP treatment on scalp microbiota composition.Methods:We performed PRP treatment on 14 patients with AGA,observed their clinical efficacy,and collected scalp swab samples before and after treatment.The scalp microflora of AGA patients before and after treatment was characterized by amplifying the V3-V4 region of the 16 s RNA gene and sequencing for bacterial identification.Results:The results showed that PRP was effective in the treatment of AGA patients,and the hair growth increased significantly.The results of relative abundance analysis of microbiota showed that after treatment,g_Cutibacterium increased and g_Staphylococcus decreased,which played a stable role in scalp microbiota.In addition,g_Lawsonella decreased,indicating that the scalp oil production decreased after treatment.Conclusions:The findings suggest that PRP may play a role in treating AGA through scalp microbiome rebalancing.

Enhancing corrosion resistance of plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings on AM50 Mg alloy by inhibitor containing Ba(NO_(3))_(2) solutions

To enhance the long-term corrosion resistance of the plasma electrolytic oxidation(PEO)coating on the magnesium(Mg)alloy,an inorganic salt combined with corrosion inhibitors was used for posttreatment of the coating.In this study,the corrosion performance of PEO-coated AM50 Mg was significantly improved by loading sodium lauryl sulfonate(SDS)and sodium dodecyl benzene sulf-onate into Ba(NO_(3))_(2) post-sealing solutions.Scanning electron microscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction,Fourier transform infrared spectrometer,and ultraviolet-visible analyses showed that the inhibitors enhanced the incorporation of BaO_(2) into PEO coatings.Electrochemical impedance showed that post-sealing in Ba(NO_(3))_(2)/SDS treatment enhanced corrosion resistance by three orders of magnitude.The total impedance value remained at 926Ω·cm^(2)after immersing in a 0.5wt%NaCl solution for 768 h.A salt spray test for 40 days did not show any obvious region of corrosion,proving excellent post-sealing by Ba(NO_(3))_(2)/SDS treatment.The corrosion resistance of the coating was enhanced through the synergistic effect of BaO2 pore sealing and SDS adsorption.

Numerical studies for plasmas of a linear plasma device HIT-PSI with geometry modified SOLPS-ITER

The HIT-PSI is a linear plasma device built for physically simulating the high heat flux environment of future reactor divertors to test/develop advanced target plate materials.In this study,the geometry-modified SOLPS-ITER program is employed to examine the effects of the magnetic field strength and neutral pressure in the device on the heat flux experienced by the target plate of the HIT-PSI device.The findings of the numerical simulation indicate a positive correlation between the magnetic field strength and the heat flux density.Conversely,there is a negative correlation observed between the heat flux density and the neutral pressure.When the magnetic field strength at the axis exceeds 1 tesla and the neutral pressure falls below 10 Pa,the HIT-PSI has the capability to attain a heat flux of 10 MW·m-2 at the target plate.The simulation results offer a valuable point of reference for subsequent experiments at HIT-PSI.

Fast synthesis of gold nanoparticles by cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet in the presence of Au^(+) ions and a capping agent

Homogeneous gold nanoparticles were synthesized under atmospheric pressure using a nonthermal helium plasma jet in a single-step process.A current power supply was used to generate the plasma discharge rich in diverse reactive species.These species induce rapid chemical reactions responsible for the reduction of the gold salts upon contact with the liquid solution.In this study,spherical and monodispersed gold nanoparticles were obtained within 5 min of plasma exposure using a solution containing gold(Ⅲ)chloride hydrate(HAuCl_(4))as a precursor and polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP)as a capping agent to inhibit agglomerations.The formation of these metal nanoparticles was initially perceptible through a visible change in the sample's color,transitioning from light yellow to a red/pink color.This was subsequently corroborated by UVvis spectroscopy,which revealed an optical absorption in the 520-550 nm range for Au NPs,corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance(SPR)band.An investigation into the impact of various parameters,including plasma discharge duration,precursor and capping agent concentrations,was carried out to optimize conditions for the formation of well-separated,spherical gold nanoparticles.Dynamic light scattering(DLS)was used to measure the size of these nanoparticles,transmission electron microscopy(TEM)was used to observe their morphology and X-ray diffraction(XRD)was also employed to determine their crystallographic structure.The results confirm that homogeneous spherical gold nanoparticles with an average diameter of 13 nm can be easily synthesized through a rapid,straightforward,and environmentally friendly approach utilizing a helium atmospheric pressure plasma.

Airfoil friction drag reduction based on grid-type and super-dense array plasma actuators

To improve the cruise flight performance of aircraft, two new configurations of plasma actuators(grid-type and super-dense array) were investigated to reduce the turbulent skin friction drag of a low-speed airfoil. The induced jet characteristics of the two actuators in quiescent air were diagnosed with high-speed particle image velocimetry(PIV), and their drag reduction efficiencies were examined under different operating conditions in a wind tunnel. The results showed that the grid-type plasma actuator was capable of producing a wall-normal jet array(peak magnitude: 1.07 m/s) similar to that generated in a micro-blowing technique, while the superdense array plasma actuator created a wavy wall-parallel jet(magnitude: 0.94 m/s) due to the discrete spanwise electrostatic forces. Under a comparable electrical power consumption level,the super-dense array plasma actuator array significantly outperformed the grid-type configuration,reducing the total airfoil friction drag by approximately 22% at a free-stream velocity of 20 m/s.The magnitude of drag reduction was proportional to the dimensionless jet velocity ratio(r), and a threshold r = 0.014 existed under which little impact on airfoil drag could be discerned.