Methods and apparatus for plasma-assisted joining of one or more parts
together are provided. The joining process may include, for example,
placing at least first and second joining areas in proximity to one
another in a cavity, forming a plasma in the cavity by subjecting a gas to
electromagnetic radiation in the presence of a plasma catalyst, and
sustaining the plasma at least until the first and second joining areas
are joined. Plasma catalysts, and methods and apparatus for igniting,
modulating, and sustaining a joining plasma, are provided. Additional
cavity shapes, and methods and apparatus for selective plasma-joining, are
also provided.
