Plasmionique

Solids, when heated to sufficiently high temperature, change their phase and become liquid. Heating liquids sufficiently can transform them into gases. In an ordinary gas each atom or molecule is electrically neutral. The positively charged nucleus of an atom is surrounded by an equal number of negatively charged electrons. The electrons can be detached from the atom, if sufficient amount of energy is transferred to an atom. This process is referred to as “ionization”. In a plasma some significant fraction of neutral atoms are ionized. We can call a mater in "Plasma State", if the number of charged particles is high enough to influence the electrical characteristics of the gas. Plasma state is also called the "Fourth State of Matter", following solid, liquid and gaseous states. It is estimated that over 99.9% of universe is in Plasma state; however, Earth is a unique exception. Most of the plasma sources on Earth are man made.

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	ABOUT PLASMA
	What is Plasma?
	Solids, when heated to sufficiently high temperature, change their phase and become liquid. Heating liquids sufficiently can transform them into gases. In an ordinary gas each atom or molecule is electrically neutral. The positively charged nucleus of an atom is surrounded by an equal number of negatively charged electrons. The electrons can be detached from the atom, if sufficient amount of energy is transferred to an atom. This process is referred to as “ionization”. In a plasma some significant fraction of neutral atoms are ionized. We can call a mater in "Plasma State", if the number of charged particles is high enough to influence the electrical characteristics of the gas. Plasma state is also called the "Fourth State of Matter", following solid, liquid and gaseous states. It is estimated that over 99.9% of universe is in Plasma state; however, Earth is a unique exception. Most of the plasma sources on Earth are man made.
	What is Special about Plasma State?
	It is the interactions between the charged particles and the neutral atoms, and the ability to manipulate the plasma by externally applied electric and magnetic fields that makes the Plasma State special and useful. A substance in plasma state could offer a vast variety of new paths for chemical reactions. These new possibilities are explored and exploited for the synthesis of new materials, which is one of the important applications of Plasma. When energy of the ions in a plasma is increased to an extent that they can overcome the repulsive forces of other ions a nuclear Fusion reaction could take place, and huge amount of energy would be released as a consequence. This is the Sun's source of energy. Scientists are trying to find efficient ways to harness the energy released from fusion process and create a supply of clean and safe source of energy for future generations.
	What are some examples of Plasma Applications?
	The unique properties of Plasma creates a broad spectrum of potential and actual applications. One can group plasma applications in three categories: Plasma as a Processing Tool - Surface Treatment: Surface Cleaning, Surface Activation, Etching Application Examples: Optical components, Sterilization, increase or decrease hydrophobic (hydrophilic) properties, promotion of Metal-Polymer and polymer-polymer adhesion, etc - Material Synthesis - Material deposition: PVD, PECVD, Plasma Torch Application Examples: Corrosion reduction, friction reduction, increase hardness, improve biocompatibility, (anti)reflective coatings, decorative applications, etc. - Heat Source: Cutting, Welding, Incineration, Annealing Plasma as a Radiation Source - Lighting source - Flat Panel Display - X-ray Source - Lasers Plasma as an Energy Sources - Fusion Energy - MHD Generators