Large Area Electron-Series-Resonant Surface-Wave-Plasmas (ESR-SWP's) Generated by Distributed Excitations

University Of California-Berkeley, Berkeley CA

Investigators

Abstract

This one year proposal will explore how to create very large area plasmas. The focus is on sustaining plasmas with electron series resonant (ESR) surface waves (SWP). Part I of the proposed investigation tackles open theoretical questions concerning devices large enough to support very long wavelength surface waves. Part II investigates the use of surface waves for electron energy distribution (EEDF) control (i.e. selective heating and cooling) in plasmas. Part III will look into bow to distribute power fed into ESR-SWP's for creating large area uniform plasmas. The initial approach will be to feed discharge power into the ESR-SWP by a distributed excitation using a directionally coupled slow waveguide.