If energy is continuously fed to a solid its temperature increases. This transition is coupled with a steady increase of the particles kinetic energy. When further coupling energy to the system the particles kinetic energy may exceed the atomic and molecular binding energies yielding molecular fragments, excited neutrals, negatively charged electrons and positively charged ions. Technically important plasmas often include negative ions as well.

This mixture of neutral and electrically active particles is termed plasma which is electrically (quasi) neutral.

Plasma shows unusual physical and chemical properties and can be effectively controlled by external electrical and magnetic fields. Because of their high internal energy plasmas form the basis for a variety of technical processes which are not possible otherwise. These properties qualify the plasma to be a powerful and flexible tool for advanced materials processing and other industrial applications.

Applications of plasma technology

Plasma based surface technology has reached a noticable status over the last years. In nearly every branch plasma technology is applied for industrial processes. The aim is to optimize surfaces from a functional and asthetic point of view.

The main targets are:

cost reduction and higher productivity, environmently friendly, more attractive, innovative and qualitatively better products.

The great variety of plasma-surface-technology covers surface coating, modification, and cleaning, sterilization, neutralization of toxic substances and many others.