The effect of three different methods of adding O2 additive on O concentration of atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs)

In order to maximize the O concentration generated by the atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJs), several different methods of adding O2 additive to working gas have been proposed. However, it is not clear, which method is capable of generating the highest concentration of O atom. In this paper, the concentration of O atoms in an APPJs by adding O2 to (1) the working gas, to (2) the downstream inside the tube, and (3) to the shielding gas is investigated by two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence spectrometry. The results clearly demonstrate that the highest O density is achieved when 1.5% of O2 is added to the working gas rather than the other two methods. In other words, the most effective way to generate O atoms is by premixing O2 with the working gas. Further investigation suggests that O atoms are mainly generated around the electrode region, where the electric field is highest. In addition, when O2 is added to the working gas, if in the meantime extra O2 is added to the downstream inside ...