Large Area Atomic Oxygen Exposure Facility

NASA Glenn Research Center
Space Environment and Experiments Branch

Large Area Atomic Oxygen Exposure Facility

Provides uniform exposure to atomic oxygen over ~ 1.5m x 2meter area.
Radio frequency generator used to generate atomic oxygen plasma from air between two large parallel metal plates.
Typical operating power is 500 watts.
Process takes place in a rough vacuum (2-10 millitorr of air).

Ability to remove organic coatings from large, flat surfaces without contact.
Surfaces can be fully cleaned or masked so that only a selected portion is cleaned.
Reaction of the atomic oxygen with the organic is limited to the surface so that sensitive materials underneath are not affected.
System is automatically controlled for unattended operation with a built-in, programmable timer to shut off the atomic oxygen generation at the duration point.

Removal of smoke damage and aged varnish from the surface of paintings.
Atomic oxygen cleaning of organic contaminants from surfaces of materials.
Surface chemical and morphology modification of polymer surfaces for improved bonding or cellular attachment.
Surface modification of polymer films for enhanced heat transfer.
Removal of bioactive species including terrestrial bacteria from mock spacecraft surfaces.
Removal of bioactive species including endotoxins from surgical implant surfaces for improved fixation of soft tissue implants.