Apparatus and method for forming a high pressure plasma discharge column

The present invention relates to high pressure, plasma discharge devices. In particular, the present invention pertains to the stability of high pressure plasma columns within such devices conferred by the mechanical rotation of their envelopes. Also, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for forming stable plasma columns at high pressure in both open-ended and sealed discharge containment envelopes so as to produce plasma torches, waste reprocessing devices, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and x-ray light sources, or high intensity illumination. An apparatus for producing a stable, high pressure plasma column with long length, and high axial uniformity. Rotating a gas-filled tube about an horizontal axis creates a vortex with minimal, or no shear flow. Such a vortex provides a stable equilibrium for a central column of high temperature gas and plasma when, for a given rotation speed, the centrifugal force dominates over the gravitational force inside the smallest radial dimension of the containment envelope. High pressure discharges inside a rotating envelope may be sustained by a variety of energy sources, including electrical, electromagnetic and chemical; they may find application in plasma torches, light sources, etc.