Note: Muhammad Nur.
The principle of this technology starts with cosmic ray radiation to generate single electrons within a Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma (DBDP) reactor. These electrons are accelerated by a high electric field between two sharp electrodes and a small-diameter wire enclosed in a dielectric tube. The energetic electrons collide with atoms and molecules in the reactor. Physically, this must be analyzed through Quantum Scattering, a challenging topic in quantum mechanics. The goal is always to determine energy levels, wave equations, and scattering amplitudes. Atoms and molecules undergo ionization, excitation, dissociation, and emit photons through various quantum transitions (wavelengths). Collisions between plasma species in the ionized gas result in fascinating plasma phenomena and their glow. A photo of helium and argon plasma can be seen below. Imagine a darkening sky before rain suddenly glowing, followed by a thunderous sound—this is lightning. Lightning brings blessings, as it converts nitrogen molecules from the atmosphere into nitrates, nourishing the Earth. So, the 78% nitrogen in our atmosphere is a divine gift to humanity.
In the dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor (DBDP), tiny lightning bolts occur between electrodes separated by pyrex dielectric material. The complexity of these physical events is partially mitigated by the “entertainment” of the beautiful light emitted by the plasma. These quantum physics events are captivating, and the pursuit never ceases. In March 2024, Mr. Fajar Arianto participated in the Joint ICTP-IAEA School on Data for Modeling Atomic and Molecular Processes in Plasmas, which involved a quantum mechanics-heavy approach.
So, what is the connection between quantum mechanics, plasma formation, and farmers? This is where things get interesting. The greatest challenge for scientists is to bring complex technology to society in a simple and easy-to-use package.
A 25-Year Journey
Plasma research at Diponegoro University (UNDIP) began in 1998, with researchers forming the Center for Plasma Research (CPR). Over the past five years, plasma technology has successfully been applied to generate high concentrations of ozone. The Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma (DBDP) reactor is used for ozone generation, reaching concentrations of thousands of ppm. The ozone generator can produce up to 150 grams per hour. Through the Higher Education Innovation Program (2017-2019), Diponegoro University received funding to develop prototypes distributed across several provinces. These ozone generators, combined with storage systems, have been used by farmer groups in nine provinces. This combined system can preserve the quality of horticultural products for extended periods. For example, chilies can be stored for up to two months. The CPR research group also helped develop the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) for post-harvest horticultural storage equipment using ozonation technology: SNI 8759:2019. This technology has been commercialized with a licensing agreement (No. 01, April 6, 2021) with PT Dipo Technology.
Previously, the Center for Plasma Research at Diponegoro University, in collaboration with PT Dipo Technology and funded by the Ministry of Research and Higher Education, conducted market testing of plasma ozone technology for storage in 15 locations across nine provinces. At that time, the Ministry had a program called Teaching Industry (https://teachingindustry.undip.ac.id/). Now, the product dedicated to the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 8759:2019) has spread across nine provinces. The provision of these products is being facilitated by local governments, Bank Indonesia, state-owned enterprises, and commodity entrepreneurs. This invention and innovation have become a beacon of hope for stabilizing volatile food prices, such as chilies and onions, thus preventing inflation and deflation.
Post-harvest damage occurs mainly during the transportation and handling of harvested products. This is a significant issue, particularly for short-shelf-life crops like chilies, which are often mishandled from picking to transportation to markets. A method applied in an ASEAN program, which involves plasma ozonation technology developed by the Center for Plasma Research at Diponegoro University, has been successfully implemented to extend the shelf life of horticultural products, particularly chilies, by controlling supply and demand for the commodity.
The image of the argon plasma glow and helium plasma glow inside the DBD plasma reactor is prepared to produce a higher concentration of ozone, with the capacity expected to reach up to the order of kilograms per hour
