Patent ID: 8460283

Claim:
A method for producing a plasma plume utilizing a plasma generator, the plasma generator, comprising: a dielectric body extending from a first end to a second end, wherein a cavity is defined within the dielectric body between the first end and the second end; at least one gas inlet formed proximate the first end of the dielectric body; at least one nozzle aperture formed proximate the second end of the dielectric body; at least one anode formed at least substantially around an outer surface of the dielectric body, wherein the anode is electrically coupled, via an electrical connection, to a power supply, and at least one cathode formed at least substantially around the outer surface of the dielectric body, wherein the cathode is spaced apart from the anode, wherein the cathode is located outside the cavity of the dielectric body, and wherein the cathode is electrically coupled, via an electrical connection, to the power supply, the method comprising: injecting a carrier gas into the gas inlet, wherein the carrier gas flows from the gas inlet to the nozzle aperture; applying a pulsed voltage applied at a regulated frequency to the anode, via the electrical connection, from the power supply; applying a pulsed voltage applied at a regulated frequency to the cathode, via the electrical connection, from the power supply; and producing a plasma plume, in atmospheric pressure, from the nozzle aperture.