AbstractWe investigate the effect of the micro‐channel plate (MCP) on the diffusive transport of reactive plasma species generated by a cold atmospheric discharge. The diffusion of the reactive plasma species is guided by the micro‐channels and the side diffusion is consequently reduced. Therefore the reactive plasma species are more effectively transported to the target surface. A higher bactericidal efficiency is found in comparison with the open, unhindered configuration when the open area ratio of the MCP equals 50%. Furthermore, the experimental results show a significant UV reduction because of the shielding by the MCP. magnified image