What is it about?
This study compares two types of electric discharges (positive and negative) above water to understand why only the negative one creates structured plasma patterns. Using imaging and spectroscopy, the researchers show how electrical and chemical differences explain this unique behavior, offering insights useful in plasma medicine and materials science.
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Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This is the first direct comparison of positive vs. negative glow discharges to explain why only negative ones create self-organized plasma patterns on liquids. It combines advanced optical and electrical diagnostics to uncover a polarity-dependent mechanism—relevant for controlling plasma-liquid interactions in cutting-edge applications.
Perspectives
This publication represents a milestone in our research on plasma self-organization. We are especially proud of the rigorous methodology we applied to isolate the role of polarity. The findings not only advance fundamental plasma physics, but also open exciting paths toward targeted plasma therapies or eco-friendly surface treatments.
Dr Thierry Dufour
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Positive and negative DC glow discharges: A comparative study to characterize self-organized patterns on water surface, Physics of Plasmas, April 2025, American Institute of Physics,
DOI: 10.1063/5.0251603.
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