Utilizing Nonlocal Effects for Development of Novel Technologies for Plasma Chemistry and Laser Applications

UES, Inc., partnered with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, proposes to develop a new method of controlling plasma parameters based on the nonlocal nature of the electron energy distribution function in plasmas. Specifically we propose to develop nonlocal plasma technology (NLP-technology) in plasmas with fast electrons - electrons with energies essentially greater than the average electron energy, and/or negative ions. The overall tasks during the Phase II project are: (1) Improving computer codes for a more sophisticated simulation of plasmas with fast electrons and the application of those codes for analyzing experiments in plasmas with fast electrons; (2) Conducting experimental investigations of various types of plasmas with fast electrons, including two types of plasmas: a) with volumetric plasma-chemical reaction production of the fast electrons and b) with injection of the fast electrons via plasma boundaries; (3) Developing a prototype technological device utilizing NLP-technology for regulating the plasma parameters. The completion of all three tasks will experimentally demonstrate the importance of fast electrons and/or negative ions in the plasmas, establish the feasibility of using nonlocal plasma properties for plasma parameter regulation, and establish subsequent applications for the NLP-technology during Phase III of the project.