The ball-pen probe is a relatively new diagnostic method, that has been designed for direct measurement of plasma potential in magnetized plasmas. Nowadays, it is routinely used at several high-temperature plasma devices in Europe and it has been tested also in conditions of low-temperature plasma, which are substantially different from that of high-temperature plasma. The measurements performed so far showed, that ball-pen probe could be used also in low-temperature plasma. However, more measurements were needed to prove the applicability of ball-pen probe. Therefore, the main aim of this work is to compare the method of ball-pen probe with simultaneous measurements using Langmuir and emissive probe. Measurements were performed in DC discharge of cylindrical magnetron at various discharge conditions and radial positions of probes. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

Title: Lightning-Related Electromagnetic Wave Phenomena in the Earth's Magnetosphere Author: Jan Záhlava Department: Department of Surface and Plasma Physics Supervisor: doc. RNDr. František Němec, PhD., Department of Surface and Plasma Physics Abstract: The thesis focuses on lightning-related electromagnetic wave phenomena observed by spacecraft in the Earth's inner magnetosphere. Two different approaches are used to identify the frequency and spatial extent where lightning generated emissions significantly contribute to the overall wave intensity. First, whistler detections onboard the DEMETER spacecraft are used to sort the measurements according to the whistler activity. Second, we use a geographic distribution of lightning activity and analyze a dependence of the overall wave intensity on geomagnetic longitude. We show that, especially during the night, the overall wave intensity observed in the plasmasphere is well correlated with lightning activity. The other focus of the study is on special electromagnetic wave events consisting of alternating frequency bands of enhanced and reduced wave intensity formed in the ionosphere due to lightning. We analyze their occurrence and parameters, and we suggest a possible mechanism of their formation. Keywords: lightning, waves in plasma, whistlers, plasmasphere

Title: Lightning-Related Electromagnetic Wave Phenomena in the Earth's Magnetosphere Author: Jan Záhlava Department: Department of Surface and Plasma Physics Supervisor: doc. RNDr. František Němec, PhD., Department of Surface and Plasma Physics Abstract: The thesis focuses on lightning-related electromagnetic wave phenomena observed by spacecraft in the Earth's inner magnetosphere. Two different approaches are used to identify the frequency and spatial extent where lightning generated emissions significantly contribute to the overall wave intensity. First, whistler detections onboard the DEMETER spacecraft are used to sort the measurements according to the whistler activity. Second, we use a geographic distribution of lightning activity and analyze a dependence of the overall wave intensity on geomagnetic longitude. We show that, especially during the night, the overall wave intensity observed in the plasmasphere is well correlated with lightning activity. The other focus of the study is on special electromagnetic wave events consisting of alternating frequency bands of enhanced and reduced wave intensity formed in the ionosphere due to lightning. We analyze their occurrence and parameters, and we suggest a possible mechanism of their formation. Keywords: lightning, waves in plasma, whistlers, plasmasphere

The aim of the Master thesis is the investigation of the influence of microwave discharge for skin wound healing. Microwave discharge used for this work was argon microwave plasma generated by the surface wave and direct vortex torch. The theoretical part is focused on basic information about plasma and processes that occur in plasma discharge under specific conditions. Plasma generates various active particles such as hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide radicals, excited nitrogen molecules, atomic nitrogen, argon and oxygen. All of these particles together with plasma generated photons are usable in biomedical applications and summary of them is shown in the theoretical part. The experimental part is focused on the comparison of torch discharge and microwave plasma generated surface wave in skin wound healing. The model wounds on laboratory mousses were treated by plasma and wound healing was examined during 3 weeks after the plasma treatment. Both plasma systems showed healing acceleration. Application of torch discharge was proved to be the most effective method in the healing of skin defects. Additionally, determination of active particles was taken by optical emission spectroscopy. Based on these measurements, plasma parameters were determined: electron temparutare, rotational and vibrational temperatures. To determine role of different plasma active species, the treatment of indigo coloured artificial skin model was treated under various conditions by both plasma systems. Results show that the direct interaction between plasma particles is the main effect, role of radiation, only, is more or less negligible. Finally, the plasma vortex system was visualized using fast camera at selected powers and gas flows.

The subject of this diploma thesis is the study of a sample position influence on results of an experiment in laser spectroscopy. The aim is to design an appropriate way for standardization of signal obtained at different conditions with the respect to its applicability for stand-off analysis. In the theoretical part of the diploma thesis there are the basics of LIBS method described together with the issues of stand-off experiment and both, basic and advanced approches for the processing and correction of obtained spectra. Also the experiment is designed here, which is used for the analysis of the sample inclination and distance influence on the detected signal. The choice of appropriate ways for the signal correction follows and their applicability and efficiency is then experimentally tested.

This diploma thesis deals with using laser-induced breakdown plasma spectroscopy for determining the elemental structure of unknown samples. It was necessary to design an appropriate method to qualify material by laser-induced emission spectrum. Pretreatment of data and using a variety of chemometrics methods had to be done in order to qualify the structure of elements. We achieved a required solution by projecting the data to a new PCA space, creating clusters and computing the Euclidean distance between each cluster. The experiment in the practical part was set to detect an interface of two elements. We created a data file simulating the ablation on the interface. This data set was gradually processed applying a mathematical-chemical-physical view. Several data procedures have been compiled: approximation by Lorenz, Gauss and Voigt function and also a pretreatment method such as the detection of outliers, standardization by several procedures and subsequent use of principal components analysis. A summarization of processes for input data is fully described in the thesis.

Tato diplomová práce se zabývá návrhem optomechanického modulu pro chemické mapování metodou spektroskopie laserem buzeného plazmatu (LIBS). Cílem je vyvinout modul, který bude umožňovat analýzu spektrálních čar zinku v ultrafialové (UV) oblasti. V práci jsou popsány teoretické základy metody LIBS a následně je provedena rešerše zaměřená na problematiku dálkové LIBS analýzy. V diplomové práci jsou prezentovány možné optické návrhy fokusační a sběrné optiky, z nichž jsou vybrané následně otestovány. Výsledkem práce je konstrukční návrh modulu.

Title: Anomalous diffusion of plasma in tokamak edge region Author: Jakub Seidl Tutoring institution: Institute of Plasma Physics AS CR, v.v.i. Supervisor: Doc. Ing. Ladislav Krlín, DrSc., IPP AS CR Consultant: RNDr. Radomír Pánek, Ph.D., IPP AS CR Abstract: This work provides brief introduction to the topic of plasma turbu- lence in tokamak edge region and several aspects of anomalous plasma diffusion are discussed. We use numerical code ESEL to model interchange turbulence and investigate properties of turbulent structures in different regimes of parallel trans- port. Means of experimental verification of the results are discussed. Results of the modelling are then used to interpret unexpected results experimentally obtained by electrostatic ball-pen probes on tokamak ASDEX Upgrade, mainly appearance of a 'bump' in power spectra of measured plasma potential. Next, we explain be- haviour of cross-correlation function of density signals measured by two spatially separated Langmuir probes in the vicinity of magnetic separatrix and we point out an ambiguity in interpretation of results of vorticity measurement made by set of floating Langmuir probes. In the last part, transport of plasma impurities by electrostatic turbulent potential is modelled. We identify reversal of radial particle velocity for particles with...

The aim of this thesis is a study of processes during organosilicone thin film deposition via plasma polymerization. Recently, thin films are the most expanding way of surface modification of materials. They are used as protective coatings, functional layers, they can increase or decrease adhesion to different compounds (e.g. water), or just improve mechanical properties of bulk materials. Plasma polymers, which are not known so long, are a modern trend in evolution of thin film deposition. They have perfect adhesion to the substrate and they are highly resistant against most of chemical compounds. Their structure is quite different from the structure of classical polymers. Recently, organosilicon compounds are used as precursors for plasma polymers because silicon built in the structure of plasma polymer allows thin film deposition on glass substrate and the organic part of monomer gives us infinite possibilities of modification. In our case dimethylphenylsilane (DMPS) was used as a monomer. Various RF low pressure discharges were used during this study. Plasma diagnostic was performed by optical emission spectroscopy of inductive coupled plasma. This method allows us to determine plasma composition during the deposition process. Thus we can predict the composition of deposited thin film according to input parameters. From relative populations of fragments we are able to find out optimal conditions for deposition process. We can also calculate temperature of particles in plasma which gives us some information about particle energies. The first part of the study deals with the identification of particles (fragments) created by fragmentation of monomer in plasma environment. We successfully identified hydrogen atomic lines of Balmer’s series in the spectra. Many rotational lines of hydrogen molecule were also detected. Atomic carbon occurred only in small amount. Much more carbon was detected in the form of CH radical. We also found some weak lines connected to atomic silicon. When we used a mixture of DMPS and oxygen, OH radical and O2+ were present in spectra. Next, optimal settings of deposition were determined for particular fragments from relative intensities of these fragments in optical emission spectra. Using this information we are able to set up the process to deposit thin films of desired composition and properties. We calculated electron temperature from intensities of hydrogen lines in Balmer’s series. Rotational temperature was obtained from CH radical intensity. Unfortunately, there was no convenient radical from which intensity we would be able to calculate vibrational temperature. All results and information obtained during the research can be used in industrial plasma polymerization processes and development of new coatings and functional thin films. Other studies on DMPS or similar monomer may also be realized to get more knowledge about processes in plasma and this thesis could serve as a basis for further research. Moreover, this study is a part of an international project. The aim of this project is to study processes during plasma polymerization both theoretically and practically. Once finished, the project and its results will be presented in scientific literature and at international conferences.

This diploma thesis deals with evaluation of toxicity and bioaccumulation of photon-upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) in model plant maize (Zea mays). Lanthanide-doped UCNPs with different composition and size were tested in three different concentrations in this work. The exposure took place for 168 hours. Toxicity was assessed based on four macroscopic toxicological endpoints (mortality, the length of belowground part of the plants, the length of aboveground part of the plants and whole plants length). Spatial distribution of elements yttrium, ytterbium, erbium and gadolinium in model plants was determined using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy with spatial resolution of 100 m and 26 m. Distribution of UCNPs in plants was further studied with photon-upconversion microscanning with spatial resolution of 40 m. Stability of UCNPs during and after the plant exposure was also discussed in this thesis.