Micro-Disperse Particles in Plasmas: From Disturbing Side Effects to New Applications

The research effort in the area of dusty plasmas initially aimed at avoiding particle formation and controlling the contamination level in industrial reactors. Nowadays, dusty plasmas have grown into a vast field and new applications of plasma-processed dust particles are emerging. There is demand for particles with special properties, and for particle-seeded composite materials. Low-pressure plasmas offer a unique possibility of confinement, control and fine tailoring of particle properties. The role of plasma technology in treatment and surface modification of powder grains is reviewed and illustrated with examples. The interaction between plasma and injected micro-disperse powder particles can also be used as a diagnostic tool for the study of plasma surface processes.