Patent ID: 6232723
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
An apparatus for producing a plasma with a direct current, comprising:a nonmetallic first electrode having a first surface and a second surface, the nonmetallic first electrode forming pores between the first surface of the nonmetallic first electrode and the second surface of the nonmetallic first electrode,a conductive liquid dispersed within the pores of the nonmetallic first electrode, the conductive liquid providing direct current pathways through the nonmetallic first electrode,a second electrode having a first surface and a second surface,a direct current source for providing a first direct current electrical potential and a second direct current electrical potential,a first conductive connector electrically connected to the direct current source and disposed adjacent the first surface of the nonmetallic first electrode, for receiving the first direct current electrical potential from the direct current source and providing the first direct current electrical potential to the nonmetallic first electrode,a second conductive connector electrically connected to the direct current source and disposed adjacent the first surface of the second electrode, for receiving the second direct current electrical potential from the direct current source and providing the second direct current electrical potential to the second electrode, anda plasma generation region defined between the second surface of the nonmetallic first electrode and the second surface of the second electrode, the plasma generation region for receiving a gas, the gas forming the plasma when the first electrical potential is applied to the second surface of the nonmetallic first electrode and is conducted by the conductive liquid through the pores of the nonmetallic first electrode to the second surface of the nonmetallic first electrode and the second electrical potential is applied to the second electrode.