CAPILLARY-IN-RING ELECTRODE GAS DISCHARGE GENERATOR FOR PRODUCING A WEAKLY IONIZED GAS AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME

摘要

A capillary-in-ring gas discharge generator including an inner dielectric having a capillary defined therein, a primary electrode having a distal end partially inserted axially into the capillary of the inner dielectric, and separated therefrom so as to define a discharge zone therebetween; and a secondary electrode extending radially outward of at least a portion of the outer dielectric proximate the distal end of the primary electrode. Weakly ionized gas emissions occur out from the capillary and also in a discharge region between the inner and outer dielectrics. Thus, a weakly ionized gas plume is produced having a size substantially equal to that of the inner opening of the outer dielectric which is able to efficiently treat a relatively large surface area.