Finding the Current for a Plasma Creation in Helium

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on generating plasma in a helium chamber at a pressure of 0.6 Torr, with electrodes spaced 17 cm apart, resulting in a breakdown voltage of 200V according to Paschen curves. The user seeks to calculate the necessary current for continuous DC operation but lacks a method for this calculation. An alternative method suggested involves using a microwave to create plasma with noble gases, although this approach carries safety risks.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Paschen's Law and breakdown voltage calculations
  • Familiarity with plasma generation techniques
  • Knowledge of continuous DC power supply specifications
  • Basic safety protocols for working with high-voltage equipment
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for calculating current in plasma generation systems
  • Explore the implications of using microwave plasma generation
  • Study safety measures for high-voltage experiments
  • Investigate alternative gas mixtures for plasma creation
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, engineers, and hobbyists interested in plasma physics, particularly those working with high-voltage systems and plasma generation techniques.

Smithy16
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Hi all.

I am currently trying to determine the specifications of equipment I need to create a plasma. I am looking to generate a plasma in chamber of Helium at a pressure of about 0.6 Torr. My electrodes are around 17cm apart (giving me a pd of 10 Torr cm). By consulting Paschen curves, I see I need a power supply capable of producing a voltage of 200V. I intend to use continuous DC - not pulsed DC.

However, I cannot seem to be able to find a means of calculating the current which needs to be delivered. Can anyone suggest a means of finding this out?

Thank you in advance for your time.



Smithy
 
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I don't know how to figure out what current you need.

However, I can tell you with experience how to create plasma cheaply.
If you pump a noble gas into a microwave, you can create as much plasma as you want.
This can be rather dangerous though.

Here's a paper on the topic if you want more information. http://pe.org.pl/articles/2012/8/12.pdf
 

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