An Introduction to Plasma Technology

1. PLASMAS, AN OVERVIEWPlasma Energy DistributionPlasma SheathsThe Generalized Discharge CharacteristicCoupling Energy to a PlasmaEffect of PressureFrequencyMagnetic Fields2. ELASTIC AND INELASTIC COLLISION PROCESSES IN GASESElastic ProcessesExcitation and Ionisation Processes3. THE INTERACTION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS WITH PLASMASCollective and Particle Behaviour of PlasmasCharged Particles in Electromagnetic FieldsBehaviour of A Charged Particle in a Magnetic FieldThe Defining Characteristics of a PlasmaMethods of Coupling Electrical Energy to Plasmas4. APPLICATIONS OF LOW PRESSURE ELECTRIC DISCHARGES AND PLASMASPlasma Processes Used in Electronics FabricationMagnetically Enhanced PlasmasThe Cold Cathode LampBarrier Discharges for Lamps and Lasers and Plasma ScreensGas LasersMolecular LasersElectron and Ion BeamsGlow Discharge Nitriding5. ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE DISCHARGESThe Townsend DischargeCorona DischargesCorona Discharges on Power LinesCorona Used for Water TreatmentElectrostatic Charging ProcessesDielectric Barrier DischargesPartial DischargesSurface DischargesThe Atmospheric Pressure DC Glow Discharge6. ARC PROCESSESArc WeldingElectric Arc MeltingArc Gas HeatersElectrodeless DischargesHigh Pressure Discharge LampsIon LasersSwitchgearEffect of Lightning on Overhead LinesMagnetohydrodynamic Power GenerationGeneration of Electricity by Nuclear FusionNatural PhenomenaApplications in Space Research7. DIAGNOSTIC METHODS AND MODELLINGProbe MethodsInterferometrySpectroscopic MethodsScattering Measurements8. PLASMA AS A CIRCUIT ELEMENT: THE PLASMA CHARACTERISTIC9. ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLIES AND INSTRUMENTATIONStabilisation at the Operating PointThe TransformerRectificationInstrumentationSafety10. ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND COMPONENTSElectrodesInsulatorsGasesOptical MaterialsVacuum Pumps and InstrumentationGas Supplies and InstrumentationWater Cooling and Instrumentation

John Ernest Harry has been involved with plasma research for more than fourty years. He has 120 scientific papers, three books and more than ten patents to his name. After a period in industry he joined Loughborough University, UK, as a Senior Lecturer for electrical engineering in 1972 and became Reader in Electric Discharges in 1985. In addition to his lectureships John Ernest Harry is Chief Executive of Plasma Systems Ltd, Kent, UK, and works with Loughborough University as a project consultant.