Development and characterization of a spark plasma device designed for medical and aesthetic applications

Abstract

Cold atmospheric plasma devices have shown high potential to be useful for different medical applications. In this study, it has been tried to develop and characterize a cold atmospheric spark plasma device that can be used safely as a tool for medical and aesthetic applications. The schematic of the device is presented in the paper, and the signals of each block are also tested. A special handpiece for this device is designed to make the device as safe as possible. The device's properties that can impose a risk to users' health have been under consideration. The device's electrical properties have been tested, and results show that the electrical current of the device is below the safety thresholds and can be used safely. The radiation power of the device also has been tested. It is shown that the time needed for the radiation power to reach the danger threshold is much longer than the treatment time. The device will not impose any risk regarding radiation from the UV spectrum. Optical emission spectroscopy is also used to investigate the neutral and charged species that are the by-products of electrical discharge. The presence of NOx and OH locally in the discharge can be helpful for various medical applications. This paper presents one of the first studies conducted to investigate the engineering aspect and the immunometry of the spark plasma that can be used in medicine and other purposes.