Micro-disperse particles in plasmas: From disturbing side effects to new applications

The research effort in the area of dusty plasmas initially aimed at avoidin g particle formation and controlling the contamination level in industrial reactors. Nowadays, dusty plasmas have grown into a vast field and new appl ications of plasma-processed dust particles are emerging. There is demand f or particles with special properties, and fur particle-seeded composite mat erials. Low-pressure, plasmas offer a unique possibility of confinement, co ntrol and fine tailoring of particle properties. The role of plasma technol ogy in treatment and surface modification of powder grains is reviewed and illustrated with examples. The interaction between plasma and injected micro-disperse powder particles can also be used as a diagnostic tool fur the study of plasma surface proc esses.