VOLUMETRICALLY OSCILLATING PLASMA FLOWS

摘要

Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows, the volume of which controllably expands and contracts with time, are disclosed. Volumetrically oscillating plasma flows are generated by providing an energy with a power density that changes with time to the plasma-generating gas to form a plasma flow. The changes in the energy power density result in plasma flow volumetric oscillations. Volumetric oscillations with a frequency of above 20,000 Hz results in ultrasonic acoustic waves, which are known to be beneficial for various medical applications. System for providing volumetrically oscillating plasma flows and a variety of surgical non-surgical applications of such flows are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a. a power supply for generating an electric current having a low current level and pulses reaching a high current level, wherein the pulses have a ramp rate of at least 25 A per 10 μs, and b. a plasma-generating device for
i. heating a plasma-generating gas to a first temperature with the low current level of the electric current, wherein the first temperature is at least 10,000 K,ii. heating the plasma-generating gas to a second temperature with the high level of the electric current, wherein the second temperature is at least 10,000 K above the first temperature; andiii. discharging from an outlet the heated plasma-generating gas as a plasma flow that expands in volume during the electric current pulses.