Characterization and comparability study of a series of miniaturized neon plasma jets.

During the development of new therapeutic devices, comprehensive experimental investigations are necessary in all phases of the process. This requires the provision of device prototypes with reproducible and comparable operating parameters. In the current study, such miniature neon plasma jet prototypes designated for medical applications have been manufactured, characterized, and compared. The multi-parametric characterization included measurements of energy, power, temperature, leakage current, effluent length, and relative as well as absolute radiation. The dissipated electrical power and the optical emission in the UV range were identified as parameters indicating definable tolerances to sort out a device with inadequate species output. A liquid phase model was used to investigate reactive species deposition into simple matrices. Based on these investigations, a quality control procedure for manufacturing new device series is proposed. In conclusion, our findings suggest a test concept of achieving reproducible and comparable plasma device characterization as a putative quality control measure for lab-scale plasma source production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]