This book resulted from the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on “Electron Kinetics and Applications of Glow Discharges,” held in St. Petersburg, Russia, on May 19-23, 1997. Glow discharges have found widespread applications in many technological processes from the manufacture of semiconductors, to recent developments in na- technology, to the traditional fields of gas lasers, and discharge lamps. Consequently, the interest in the physics of glow discharges has experienced yet another resurgence of interest. While the non-equilibrium character of glow discharges is widely accepted, the opinion still prevails that the main features can be captured by fluid models, and that kinetic treatments are only required for the understanding of subtle details. The erroneousness of this belief is demonstrated by the failure of fluid models to describe many basic features of glow discharges such as, for instance, electrode phenomena, striations, and collisionless heating effects. An adequate description of glow discharges thus has to be of kinetic nature.

Electric glow discharges (glows) can be found almost everywhere, from atmospheric electricity to modern plasma technologies, and have long been the object of research. The main purpose of this book is to provide simple illustrations of the basic physical mechanisms and principles that determine the properties of electric glow discharges. It should enable readers to successfully participate in scientific and technical progress.

Publishes papers on plasma physics. The journal covers the following topics: high-temperature plasma physics, connected with the problem of controlled nuclear fusion based on magnetic and inertial confinement; physics of cosmic plasma including magnetosphere plasma, sun and stellar plasma, etc.; gas discharge plasma and plasma generated by laser and particle beams.

The Sixth International Symposium on Gaseous Dielectrics was held in Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.A., on September 23-27, 1990. The symposium continued the trans disciplinary character and comprehensive approach of the preceding five symposia. Gaseous Dielectrics VI is a detailed record of the symposium proceedings. It covers recent advances and developments in a wide range of basic, applied and industrial areas of gaseous dielectrics. It is hoped that Gaseous Dielectrics VI will aid future research and development in and encourage wider industrial use of gaseous dielectrics. The Organizing Committee of the Sixth International Symposium on Gaseous Dielectrics consisted of L. G. Christophorou (U.S.A.), F. Y. Chu (Canada), A. H. Cookson (U.S.A.), D. L. Damsky (U.S.A.), O. Farish (U.K.), I. Gallimberti (Italy), A. Garscadden (U.S.A.), E. Marode (France), T. Nitta (Japan), W. Pfeiffer (Germany), I. Sauers (U.S.A.), R. J. Van Brunt (U.S.A.), and W. Zaengl (Switzerland). The local arrangements committee consisted of members of the Health and Safety Research Division and personnel of the Conference Office of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and staff of the University of Tennessee (UTK). The contributions of each member of these committees, the work of the Session Chairmen, the interest of the participants, and the advice of innumerable colleagues are gratefully acknowledged.

An understanding of the processes involved in the basic and applied physics and chemistry of the interaction of plasmas with materials is vital to the evolution of technologies such as those relevant to microelectronics, fusion and space. The subjects dealt with in the book include: the physics and chemistry of plasmas, plasma diagnostics, physical sputtering and chemical etching, plasma assisted deposition of thin films, ion and electron bombardment, and plasma processing of inorganic and polymeric materials. The book represents a concentration of a substantial amount of knowledge acquired in this area - knowledge which was hitherto widely scattered throughout the literature - and thus establishes a baseline reference work for both established and tyro research workers.

This book provides readers with a comprehensive overview of cold plasma technology for tackling the various food-related hazards in a wide range of food sectors. The principles and characteristics of cold plasma generation in gas and its interaction with liquids, as well as its combating modes of action for common hazards (e.g., bacteria, spores, biofilms, fungi, and fungal toxins) are emphasized in this book. It also presents the applications of cold plasma or its hurdles with other techniques to assure the microbiological safety of the key food classifications, including fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, meat, aquatic products, liquid food products (e.g., juices, milk), nuts, spices, herbs, and food packaging. This book is useful for researchers to grasp the comprehensive understandings of how food safety can be controlled with cold plasma technology. This book also provides adequate information for engineers in food industry for better development and optimization of the plasma-generating systems. Government institutions that are responsible for food safety regulations can understand more knowledge about the intricacies and influencing factors, which should be considered for regulating the applications of cold plasma technology in food.