Plasma Disk

The internal flyback transformer produces 2 kV at 30 kHz. Do not open or modify the disk assembly.

Touching the glass surface produces a tingling sensation (safe at these current levels). Warn students before hands-on interaction.

The 30-kHz field may interfere with pacemakers, cochlear implants, or sensitive electronics. Keep distance and announce the demo for students with medical devices.

Purpose

Demonstrates electrical discharge through low-pressure argon gas using high-frequency AC. Plasma streamers show ionization and capacitive coupling. Also serves as a spectral source for observing discrete argon emission lines with diffraction gratings.

20-inch argon plasma disk showing blue-purple branching plasma streamers extending from center to edge

Figure 1: Argon plasma disk with branching discharge streamers extending from the center electrode to the perimeter.

Plasma Disk

1

Danger: High-Voltage Hazard

Warning: Capacitive Coupling Effects

Warning: Electronic Device Interference

Purpose

Safety Warnings

Danger: High-Voltage Hazard

Warning: Capacitive Coupling Effects

Warning: Electronic Device Interference

Purpose