Building A Controlled Plasma Discharge System for Visual and Applied Physics Learning

Often regarded as the fourth state of matter, the term ‘plasma’ is important for sophisticated technologies including space propulsion and industrial cutting. During the course of the project, we created a simple plasma gun prototype to exhibit how plasma may be produced and manipulated via the laws of physics. The design includes two electrodes with an inert gas like argon flowing in between them and is connected to a high-voltage power supply. An electric arc creates ionization in the gas which gives out a stream of plasma while its exit is controlled by magnetic coils which demonstrate an electromagnetic effect on the plasma as charged particles. This setup is based on core principles like electric discharge, Joule heating, Lorentz force, and basic fluid dynamics. While quite simple, our model attempts to demonstrate the core principles of electric discharge, Joule heating, and the Lorentz force. It allows capturing first-hand experience with effects that tend to be relegated to textbooks or labs. Other versions of the system are in use for an array of applications such as plasma cutters, ion thrusters, and even as sterilizers. The target for this project is to lower the barriers for students and educators while encouraging innovation around plasma technology for future projects.