Patent ID: 7491429

Claim:
A method for generating an atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasma (APG) for treating substrates comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of opposing plate electrodes to define a discharge space for forming said APG plasma there between, spacing the opposing plate electrodes by a gap ranging from 100 μm to 5000 μm, supplying a continuous stream of gaseous substance into the discharge space, providing power to the plate electrodes sufficient to form a uniform electric field between the plate electrodes and generating a stable glow plasma there between, controlling the power being provided in the form of an AC-voltage applied to said plate electrodes to be at an amplitude that is equal to or less than 140% of the breakdown voltage of said gaseous substance provided within the discharge space and at a frequency of at least 50 kHz, and maintaining the relationship between the AC voltage and the breakdown voltage as the gaseous substance is being supplied and the plasma continues to be generated to thereby control and reduce the temperature applied to the substrate.