Abstract: A device for separating a chemical mixture into its constituents includes a central cathode that is aligned axially within a cylindrical plasma chamber. An anode, made of the chemical mixture requiring separation is positioned near the cylindrical wall of the plasma chamber. A working gas is introduced into the chamber to sputter the chemical mixture into the plasma chamber where it is dissociated and ionized. To reduce the unwanted loss of the central cathode due to sputtering by the working gas, the central cathode is formed with a plurality of radial projections that extend outwardly from the axis of the cylindrical plasma chamber. These radial projections act to capture sputtered cathode material before it is lost to the plasma. Once the chemical mixture has been ionized in the plasma chamber, the ions are separated, according to their respective mass to charge ratio, using crossed electric and magnetic fields.

Abstract: A device for separating a chemical mixture into its constituents includes a central cathode that is aligned axially within a cylindrical plasma chamber. An anode, made of the chemical mixture requiring separation is positioned near the cylindrical wall of the plasma chamber. A working gas is introduced into the chamber to sputter the chemical mixture into the plasma chamber where it is dissociated and ionized. To reduce the unwanted loss of the central cathode due to sputtering by the working gas, the central cathode is formed with a plurality of radial projections that extend outwardly from the axis of the cylindrical plasma chamber. These radial projections act to capture sputtered cathode material before it is lost to the plasma. Once the chemical mixture has been ionized in the plasma chamber, the ions are separated, according to their respective mass to charge ratio, using crossed electric and magnetic fields.

Abstract: A device and method for separating ions uses electric and magnetic fields that are specifically configured and oriented in a vacuum chamber. Also, a central electrode that is made of the materials whose ions are to be separated is positioned in the chamber. Magnetic coils mounted on the chamber generate a magnetic field, B, that is oriented parallel to the central electrode and is configured with a disk-shaped magnetic mirror at one end of the chamber, and an annular-shaped magnetic mirror at the other end. A plurality of electrodes generate an electric field, E, that is oriented perpendicular to the central electrode. In operation, neutral atoms in the chamber are ionized by the electric field. The electric field, however, is specifically configured to confine relatively lighter mass ions in the chamber. These ions are then subsequently removed from the chamber through the opening in the annular-shaped magnetic mirror.