Plasma Ignition via High-Power Virtual Perfect Absorption

International audience ; Plasma ignition is critical in various scientific and industrial applications, demanding an efficient and robust execution mechanism. In this work, we present an innovative approach to plasma ignition by incorporating an analysis of fundamental aspects of light scattering in the complex frequency plane. We demonstrate the high-power virtual perfect absorption (VPA) regime, which is a method for perfectly capturing light within a resonator. By carefully designing the temporal profile of the incident wave, we effectively minimize reflections during the ignition stages, thereby significantly enhancing the efficiency and resilience of the process. Through comprehensive experimental investigations, we validate the viability of this approach, establishing VPA as a powerful tool for reflectionless excitation and optimal control of plasma discharges. By addressing the limitations of conventional plasma ignition methods, this research provides promising implications for improving the performance and sustainability of numerous applications related to plasma technology.