Graduate Defense: Sumona Islam

Dissertation Information

Title: Assembly and Characterization of 10 CM x 10 CM Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Device

Program: Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Advisor: Dr. Jim Browning, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Committee Members: Dr. Donald Plumlee, Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering and Dr. Ken Cornell, Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Abstract

The main purpose of this thesis is to build, demonstrate, and characterize a Cold Atmospheric Pressure (CAP) dielectric barrier discharge plasma array of large active plasma discharge region (10 cm × 10 cm) fabricated using the Low Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic (LTCC) dielectric material. Because the dimensions of this device are different than the previous device (2.45 cm × 2 cm), it is important to find the optimal operating parameters of the device at saturation and to achieve the best response out of the device, which is the main focus of this thesis. Several I-V sweep measurements, capacitance measurements, and gas flow uniformity tests for different configurations have been conducted for device characterization. Various ballast resistor values are tested for better plasma uniformity and to reach saturation operation. Gas flow uniformity throughout the device is very crucial because it ensures better plasma. Multiple showerheads have been studied along with adjusting the device enclosure design to serve that purpose. In terms of building a better performing device, several stages of modification are performed on the array parts to reduce the possibility of arc and damage to the device. Several experiments with the planar array (2.45 cm × 2 cm) and the big (10 cm × 10 cm) plasma device to inactivate biofilm (Pseudomonas fluorescens) were conducted on various surfaces (Steel, Plywood, High pressure laminate) to prove the usefulness of the LTCC plasma device in surface sterilization.