Can plasma cutter be used for sputtering?

Hi there, I'd like to know if a small plasma cutter setup could be used for etching and sputtering... for example, finding a way to make a little plasma arc flow in air like a sputtering and etching beam. I doubt i can use an arc directly without burning up and destroying what im trying to work with

I'd like to make atomic force microscope probes cheaper and longer lasting just like shown in this video... http://ceramics.org/ceramic-tech-to...probes-for-superior-resolution-and-durability

 

Seems as though this thermal plasma spraying might make it work, as it's used for chemical vapor deposition,