A Kind of Biomolecular Probe Sensor Based on TFBG Surface Plasma Resonance

This paper reports the application of the biomolecular probe sensor based on the tilted fiber Bragg grating （TFBG） surface plasma resonance （SPR） which can recognize the specificity of the specific molecule by depositing sensitive biological membrane outside the active golden layer. The method of self-assembly was used to make the fixed sensitive biological membrane to achieve the best effect in the experiment. To illustrate the specific recognition of the DNA molecule, the TFBG-SPR biosensor was exposed to complementary DNA solutions with the concentration of 0.1 mmol/L and 0.05 mmol/L, respectively. The resonance wavelength of the TFBG-SPR biosensor increased gradually, indicating that the hybridization with the complementary DNA molecules changed the effective refractive index in the vicinity of the golden layer. Furthermore, the results illustrated the feasibility of the biomolecular probe sensor based on the TFBG surface plasma resonance for detecting the specific molecule.

Electrostatic Surface Modes in Magnetized Quantum Electron-Hole Plasma

The excitation of electrostatic surface waves on a semibounded quantum plasma-vacuum interface parallel to an applied magnetic field with electron-hole degeneracy is investigated. The wave equations of the electrostatic potential and both of the perturbed electron and hole plasma densities have been solved analytically. By using quantum hydrodynamic (QHD) model and the Poisson’s equation with appropriate boundary conditions, the general dispersion relation of these surface modes has been obtained. It is also solved and studied numerically for different cases of plasmas (magnetized or unmagnetized, classical or quantum). We have found that the density ratio of hole-electron plasma plays essential role on the dispersion of the modes along the wavelength beside the quantum and magnetic field.

A numerical simulation of surface wave excitation in a rectangular planar-type plasma source

The principle of surface wave plasma discharge in a rectangular cavity is introduced simply based on surface plasmon polariton theory. The distribution of surface-wave electric field at the interface of the plasma-dielectric slab is investigated by using the three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method （3D-FDTD） with different slotantenna structures. And the experimental image of discharge with a novel slot antenna array and the simulation of the electric field with this slot antenna array are both displayed. Combined with the distribution of surface wave excitation and experimental results, the numerical simulation performed by using 3D-FDTD is shown to be a useful tool in the computer-aided antenna design for large area planar-type surface-wave plasma sources.

Self-consistent three-dimensional modeling and simulation of large-scale rectangular surface-wave plasma source

A self-consistent and three-dimensional （3D） model of argon discharge in a large-scale rectangular surface-wave plasma （SWP） source is presented in this paper, which is based on the finite-difference time-domain （FDTD） approximation to Maxwell＇s equations self-consistently coupled with a fluid model for plasma evolution. The discharge characteristics at an input microwave power of 1200 W and a filling gas pressure of 50 Pa in the SWP source are analyzed. The simulation shows the time evolution of deposited power density at different stages, and the 3D distributions of electron density and temperature in the chamber at steady state. In addition, the results show that there is a peak of plasma density approximately at a vertical distance of 3 cm from the quartz window.

Electromagnetic interaction between local surface plasmon polaritons and an atmospheric surface wave plasma jet

We analyze the electromagnetic interaction between local surface plasmon polaritons （SPPs） and an atmospheric surface wave plasma jet （ASWPJ） in combination with our designed discharge device. Before discharge, the excitation of the SPPs and the spatial distribution of the enhanced electric field are analyzed. During discharge, the critical breakdown electric field of the gases at atmospheric gas pressure and the surface wave of the SPPs converted into electron plasma waves at resonant points are studied. After discharge, the ionization development process of the ASWPJ is simulated using a two- dimensional fluid model. Our results suggest that the local enhanced electric field of SPPs is merely the precondition of gas breakdown, and the key mechanism in maintaining the discharge development of a low-power ASWPJ is the wave-mode conversion of the local enhanced electric field at the resonant point.

Effect of Low-Pressure Nitrogen DC Plasma Treatment on the Surface Properties of Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene, Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) and Polyvinyl Chloride Films

In this study, commercial biaxially oriented polypropylene （BOPP）, polyvinyl chlo- ride （PVC） and poly （methyl methacrylate） （PMMA） films were treated with nitrogen plasma over different exposure times in a Pyrex tube surrounded by a DC variable magnetic field. The chemi- cal changes that appeared on the surface of the samples were investigated using Fourier transform infrared （FT4R） spectroscopy and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared （ATR- FTIR） spectroscopy after treatment for 2 min, 4 min and 6 rain in a nitrogen plasma chamber. Effects of the plasma treatment on the surface topographies and contact angles of the untreated and plasma treated films were also analyzed by atomic force microscopy （AFM） and a contact angle measuring system. The results show that the plasma treated films become more hydrophilic with an enhanced wettability due to the formation of some new polar groups on the surface of the treated films. Moreover, at higher exposure times, the total surface energy in all treated films increased while a reduction in contact angle occurred. The behavior of surface roughness in each sample was completely different at higher exposure times.

Large area planar plasma sustained by surface microwave

In this paper, we show theoretically and experimentally that the large-area planar plasma with high density and good uniformity can be sustained by a surface microwave when the electron density is over-dense. From the experimental results we find that the nonuniformities in azimuthal plasma density and electron temperature have been greatly improved and in particular the nonuniformity is less than 10% when the gas pressure is 30 Pa. By improving the antenna shape, enhancing the microwave power and choosing the appropriate gas pressure, the large area planar plasma with high density can be produced.

Plasma Limiter Based on Surface Wave Plasma Excited by Microwave

A novel plasma limiter, in which the plasma is excited by surface wave, is presented. The breakdown time of some gases filled in the limiter were calculated as a function of gas pres- sure, ionization degree and density of seed electrons under low pressure （0.01 -1 Torr） and high pressure （10 -1000 Torr） cases. The results show that the limiter filled with Xe with a pressure of 0.9 Torr, seed electron density of 10^16 m^-3, and ionization degree of 10^-4, has a breakdown time of approximate 19.6 ns.

Plasma Niobium Surface Alloying of Pure Titanium and its Oxidation at 900 ℃

A niobium-modified layer on pure titanium surface was obtained by means of double glow plasma surface alloying technique. The modified layer was uniform, continuous, compact and well adhered to the substrate. The niobium composition in the modified layer decreased gradually from the surface to the substrate. The oxidation behavior of the niobium-modified layer was investigated and com- pared with the untreated surface at 900 ~C for 100 h. Characterization of the layers was performed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The test results show that the oxidation behavior of pure titanium was improved by niobium alloying process. Niobium has a positive influence on the oxidation resistance.

Three-Dimensional Modeling of Argon Discharge Characteristics of a Large-Scale Rectangular Surface-Wave Plasma Source

A three-dimensional fluid model for surface-wave plasma （SWP）, to investigate the discharge characteristics of a rectangular SWP source working in a steady state, was presented. The simulation is performed for different gas pressures in argon and different deposited powers. The results showed that there is a peak of plasma density at a distance of 2 cm to 3 cm from the plasma-quartz interface whose position depends mainly on the gas pressure but not the deposited power. The spatial distributions of plasma parameters and their dependence on the gas pressure and deposited power are also presented and discussed. Using this model a good agreement between the simulation results and the available experimental data is obtained.

The Effect of Plasma Surface Treatment on a Porous Green Ceramic Film with Polymeric Binder Materials

To reduce time and energy during thermal binder removal in the ceramic process, plasma surface treatment was applied before the lamination process.The adhesion strength in the lamination films was enhanced by oxidative plasma treatment of the porous green ceramic film with polymeric binding materials.The oxygen plasma characteristics were investigated through experimental parameters and weight loss analysis.The experimental results revealed the need for parameter analysis,including gas material,process time,flow rate,and discharge power,and supported a mechanism consisting of competing ablation and deposition processes.The weight loss analysis was conducted for cyclic plasma treatment rather than continuous plasma treatment for the purpose of improving the film’s permeability by suppressing deposition of the ablated species.The cyclic plasma treatment improved the permeability compared to the continuous plasma treatment.

Anti-oxidation characteristics of Cr-coating on surface of Ti-45Al-8.5Nb alloy by plasma surface metallurgy technique

TiAl-based alloys have received extensive attention recently due to their excellent properties. However, the weak oxidation resistance at temperatures higher than 800℃ can limit their further high-temperature structural applications.To improve the oxidation resistance of a high-Nb-content γ-TiAl alloy(Ti-45 Al-8.5 Nb, in units of at.%), a chromium(Cr)coating is prepared by using the plasma surface alloying technique, separately, at 800℃ and 1000℃. The x-ray diffraction(XRD) patterns reveal that an oxide surface layer consisting of Cr2O3, Al2O3, and TiO2 is produced on the Cr-coated Nb containing γ-TiAl substrates during the initial oxidation. However, the Cr2O3 is dominated in the oxide surface layer after being isothermally oxidized for 300 h. The oxidation kinetic curves are composed of a parabolic law stage(≤ 90 h) and a biquadratic law stage(≥ 90 h), fit by weight–gain curves. Due to diffusion in the fabrication process and oxidation process,the Cr-coated specimens have an adhesion force after being isothermally oxidized, specifically 69 N for a specimen after oxidation for 300 h. These results demonstrate that the Cr coating enhances the oxidation resistance and adhesion of a Ti-45 Al-8.5 Nb alloy, which may provide a new feasible scheme for designing oxidation protection layers.

Effect of RE on Cracking Resistance and Microstructure of Coatings Formed by Plasma Jet Surface Metallurgy

Metallurgical coatings of iron-based alloy with RE oxide were prepared on low-carbon steel using a home-made DC-plasma jet surface metallurgy equipment. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were employed to observe the microstructure and analyze the chemical compositions of coatings. And the cracking susceptibility of coatings was studied in terms of RE addition. Experimental results show that addition of RE oxide (La_2O_3 and CeO_2) can refine and purify the microstructure, and can reduce the cracking susceptibility of coatings.

Effects of C,N-Codoped on the Corrosion Resistance of TiO_2 Films Prepared by Plasma Surface Alloying and Thermal Oxidation Duplex Process

C,N-codoped TiO 2 films have been deposited onto stainless steel substrates using plasma surface alloying and thermal oxidation duplex process.Composition analysis shows that the films shield the substrates entirely.The TiO 2 films are anatase in structure as characterized by X-ray diffraction.The electrochemical measurements show that the equilibrium corrosion potential positively shifts from-0.275 eV for bare stainless steel to-0.267 eV for C,N-codoped TiO 2 coated stainless steel,and the corrosion current density decreases from 1.3×10-5 A/cm2 to 4.1×10-6 A/cm2.The corrosion resistance obtained by electrochemistry noise also reveals that the C,N-codoped TiO 2 films provide good protection for stainless steel against corrosion in stimulated body fluid.The above results indicate that C,N-codoped TiO 2 films deposited by plasma surface alloying and thermal oxidation duplex process are effective in protecting stainless steel from corrosion.

Catalyst-Free Growth of Graphene by Microwave Surface Wave Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition at Low Temperature

Catalyst-free graphene films has been synthesized by microwave (MW) surface wave plasma (SWP) chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using hydrogenated carbon source on silicon substrates at low temperature (500℃). The synthesized process is simple, low-cost and possible for application on transparent electrodes, gas sensors and thin film resistors. Analytical methods such as Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and four points prove resistivity measurement and UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy were employed to characterize properties of the graphene films. The formation of multilayer of graphene on silicon substrate was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and TEM. It is possible to grow graphene directly on silicon substrate (without using catalyst) due to high radical density of MW SWP CVD. In addition, we also observed that the hydrogen had significant role for quality of graphene.

The Aging Study on Polyethylene Terephthalate with Surface Modification by Water Vapor Plasma

The aging effects of the contact angle and surface energy on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have been investigated with surface modification by water vapor plasma. The experimental results show that the contact angle of water and PET decreases obviously and surface energy increases. However, with the increase of the aging time, the contact angle and surface energy change back gradually to original state.

Conditions for laser-induced plasma to effectively remove nano-particles on silicon surfaces

Particles can be removed from a silicon surface by means of irradiation and a laser plasma shock wave.The particles and silicon are heated by the irradiation and they will expand differently due to their different expansion coefficients,making the particles easier to be removed.Laser plasma can ionize and even vaporize particles more significantly than an incident laser and,therefore,it can remove the particles more efficiently.The laser plasma shock wave plays a dominant role in removing particles,which is attributed to its strong burst force.The pressure of the laser plasma shock wave is determined by the laser pulse energy and the gap between the focus of laser and substrate surface.In order to obtain the working conditions for particle removal,the removal mechanism,as well as the temporal and spatial characteristics of velocity,propagation distance and pressure of shock wave have been researched.On the basis of our results,the conditions for nano-particle removal are achieved.

Influence of low ambient pressure on the performance of a high-energy array surface arc plasma actuator

In order to solve the problem of single arc plasma actuator's failure to suppress the boundary layer separation, the effectiveness of the array surface arc plasma actuator to enhance the excitation intensity is verified by experiment. In this study, an electrical parameter measurement system and high-speed schlieren technology were adopted to delve into the electrical, flow field, and excitation characteristics of the high-energy array surface arc plasma actuator under low ambient pressure. The high-energy array surface arc discharge released considerable heat rapidly;as a result, two characteristic structures were generated, i.e., the precursor shock wave and thermal deposition area. The duration increased with the increase in environmental pressure. The lower the pressure, the wider the thermal deposition area's influence range. The precursor shock wave exhibited a higher propagation speed at the initial phase of discharge;it tended to decay over time and finally remained at 340 m/s. The lower the environmental pressure, the higher the speed would be at the initial phase. High-energy array surface arc plasma actuator can be employed to achieve effective high-speed aircraft flow control.

Experimental Investigation of Surface Wave Plasma Excited by a Cylindrical Dielectric Rod

An improved surface wave plasma source equipped with a cylindrical quartz rod has been developed, which has great potential in processing inner wall of cylindrical workpieces. A cylindrical quartz rod not only excites the plasma around the rod, but also guides surface wave plasma along the rod. The distributions of plasma density and plasma temperature under different incident microwave powers and pressures are diagnosed by a Langmuir probe. The electron density near the rod is around the order of 10^11cm^-3. When the incident power is 450 W, the length of surface wave plasma column can reach up to 420 mm at 20 Pa.

The Characteristics of Columniform Surface Wave Plasma Excited Around a Quartz Rod by 2.45 GHz Microwaves

A novel surface wave plasma （SWP） source excited with cylindrical Teflon waveguide has been developed in our previous work. The plasma characteristics have been simply studied. In this work, our experimental device has been significantly improved by replacing the Teflon waveguide with a quartz rod, and then better microwave coupling and higher gas purity can be obtained during plasma discharge. The plasma spatial distributions, both in radial and axial directions, have been measured and the effect of gas pressure has been investigated. Plasma density profiles indicate that this plasma source can produce uniform plasma in an axial direction at low pressure, which shows its potential in plasma processing on a curved surface such as an inner tube wall. A simplified circular waveguide model has been used to explain the principle of plasma excitation. The distinguishing features and potential application of this kind of plasma source with a hardware improvement have been shown.