Plasmasytyttimissä

Plasmasytyttimissä, which translates to "plasma lighters" in English, refers to a type of modern lighter that utilizes a plasma arc to ignite flammable materials. Unlike traditional lighters that rely on a fuel source like butane and a spark from a flint or piezoelectric igniter, plasma lighters create a concentrated beam of superheated plasma. This plasma is generated by passing a high voltage through a small gap, ionizing the air between two electrodes and creating a stable, electric arc.

The plasma arc produced by these devices is significantly hotter than a conventional flame, allowing it to ignite substances more effectively, even in windy conditions where a normal flame would be extinguished. This makes them useful for outdoor activities or in situations where wind is a factor. Plasma lighters are typically rechargeable via a USB port, eliminating the need for disposable fuel cartridges or flints. The absence of an open flame also means they do not produce combustion byproducts like soot, making them a cleaner alternative. However, due to their reliance on electricity, they require regular charging. The plasma arc is usually short-lived and requires direct contact with the material to be ignited.