Abstract: A novel plasma generation and containment system includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source, and an electromagnet. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically coupled via a wire to form an open circuit. The voltage is asserted on the open circuit to form a spark between the first electrode and the second electrode to form a closed circuit. Then, a current is asserted on the closed circuit to form a plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electromagnet provides a magnetic field to contain and compress the plasma.

Abstract: A method is presented for producing hollow microspheres of metal oxides (HMOMS) and/or hollow metal silicates microspheres (HMSMS) in a transforming solution. The transforming solution contains an atom M, or an M-ion, or a radical containing M. M in the transforming solution has the thermodynamic ability to replace silicon atoms in hollow silica microspheres (HSMS) and/or hollow glass microspheres (HGMS). The maximum temperature for transformation is set by the chemical physical properties of the transforming solution, and the viscosity of the silica in the walls of the HSMS and/or the glass in the walls of the HGMS. Viscosity, of enough magnitude, helps retain the desired shape of the hollow sphere as it is transformed to HMOMS and/or HMSMS. Non-spherical shapes can be produced by increasing the transformation temperature whereby the viscosity of the walls of the HSMS and/or the HGMS is reduced.

Abstract: A process for producing solar grade silicon from silica sand employs a plurality of plasma furnaces to perform a sequence of chemical reactions together with other process steps to produce solar grade silicon. The plasma furnace generates a stable dirty air, donutshaped plasma into which particulate matter can be introduced. The plasma in the first two stages is formed by gases from the chemical reactions and in the third from inert gasses. Cyclone separators are used to extract particulates from the plasma in an inert gas that prevents reverse reactions as the particular cools.

Abstract: A process for producing solar grade silicon from silica sand employs a plurality of plasma furnaces to perform a sequence of chemical reactions together with other process steps to produce solar grade silicon. The plasma furnace generates a stable dirty air, donut-shaped plasma into which particulate matter can be introduced. The plasma in the first two stages is formed by gases from the chemical reactions and in the third from inert gasses. Cyclone separators are used to extract particulates from the plasma in an inert gas that prevents reverse reactions as the particular cools.

Abstract: A novel plasma generation and containment system includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source, and an electromagnet. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically coupled via a wire to form an open circuit. The voltage is asserted on the open circuit to form a spark between the first electrode and the second electrode to form a closed circuit. Then, a current is asserted on the closed circuit to form a plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electromagnet provides a magnetic field to contain and compress the plasma.

Abstract: A novel plasma generation and containment system includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source, and an electromagnet. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically coupled via a wire to form an open circuit. The voltage is asserted on the open circuit to form a spark between the first electrode and the second electrode to form a closed circuit. Then, a current is asserted on the closed circuit to form a plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electromagnet provides a magnetic field to contain and compress the plasma.

Abstract: A process for producing solar grade silicon from silica sand employs a plurality of plasma furnaces to perform a sequence of chemical reactions together with other process steps to produce solar grade silicon. The plasma furnace generates a stable dirty air, donut-shaped plasma into which particulate matter can be introduced. The plasma in the first two stages is formed by gases from the chemical reactions and in the third from inert gasses. Cyclone separators are used to extract particulates from the plasma in an inert gas that prevents reverse reactions as the particular cools.