Precise localization of DBD plasma streamers using topographically patterned insulators for maskless structural and chemical modification of surfaces

Dielectric insulators with patterned topographic relief were used in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasmas operating at atmospheric pressure to spatially define the formation of filamentary microdischarges (“plasma streamers”). Precise localization microdischarge streamers is demonstrated concomitant treatment patterns on surfaces, enabling localized etching, surface micro-texturing, and chemically structurally induced wettability modification without use lithographic masks sample. Proof-of-concept examples include generation arbitrary streamer (lines, arrays, letters), anisotropic etching PMMA films, spatial patterning Teflon be hydrophilic. The approach herein allows user-defined DBD for subsequent surfaces (e.g., roughness, wettability, etc.), materials deposition, or etching.