Plasma Systems Technology

Plasma, the fourth fundamental state of matter, is a highly energized gas composed of highly charged particles, including electrons and ions. As the world’s understanding of complex plasmadynamics expands, new technologies are being invented to solve modern problems. CU Aerospace is at the forefront of developing multiple plasma-based technologies. These include low-temperature sterilization using a plasma chamber filled with reactive oxygen, and plasma-assisted combustion for aeronautic use, which offers better fuel efficiency than fossil fuels alone. The Singlet-oxygen Plasma Afterglow Reaction Chamber (SPARC) is designed for low-temperature sterilization needs in healthcare and for decontamination of NASA sample collection equipment for future space missions. The Cyclotronic Arc Plasma Actuator (CAPA) can be flush mounted into aircraft wings to eliminate drag penalties and improve stall characteristics, with potential applications in plasma-assisted combustion and sterilization. Plasma-assisted combustion (PAC) techniques are also being investigated to improve flame stability, extend lean flame blow-off limits, and reduce acoustic noise, leading to cleaner and more efficient use of fossil fuels.