Abstract: An external electronic control type electrodeless lamp includes a lighting device. The lighting device includes a body having at least a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate. Each conductive plate is electrically connected to an electronic control system external to the lighting device. The body has a plurality of even-numbered sides. The number of the sides of the body is at least four. The conductive plates are mounted on at least two opposite sides of the body. The electronic control system includes a magnetic core that, when energized, creates a magnetic field, and current generated due to change in the magnetic field is supplied to the conductive plates to light the lighting device.

Abstract: A closed drift ion source which includes a channel having an open end, a closed end, and an input port for an ionizable gas. A first magnetic pole is disposed on the open end of the channel and extends therefrom in a first direction. A second magnetic pole disposed on the open end of the channel and extends therefrom in a second direction, where the first direction is opposite to the second direction. The distal ends of the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole define a gap comprising the opening in the first end. An anode is disposed within the channel. A primary magnetic field line is disposed between the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole, where that primary magnetic field line has a mirror field greater than 2.

Abstract: A bulb in an electrodeless lamp system comprises a bulb unit having an envelope space in which luminous material excited by an electric field to form plasma and generate light is filled and two or more conductors installed in the envelope space so that ends of the conductors face each other.

Abstract: An electrodeless fluorescent lamp 10 has an envelope 12 that includes a chamber 14. A core 16 of magnetic material, preferably ferrite, is positioned in the chamber 14 and has a first winding 18 surrounding the core and having first and second lead-in wires 20, 22, attached to a high frequency voltage supply or ballast 24. A second winding 26 surrounds the core 16, respective turns of the second winding 26 being located adjacent turns of the first winding 18 and electrically insulated therefrom. The second winding 26 has a free end 28 and has another end 30 connected to one of the lead-in wires, for example 20. A braided sheath 32 surrounds the other of the lead-in wires 22. The first winding 18 is generally called the RF antenna. The braided sheath 32 is connected to the local ground. This inexpensive solution alone reduces the conductive EMI level sufficiently to pass all existing regulations on such interference with significant reserve.

Abstract: An axial extractor to efficiently extract microwave power from any magnetron. The axial extractor is both more compact and offers improved overall performance compared to the prior art. The axial extractor allows for suppression of the parasitic magnetron 0 mode, lowers field stress inside the device, and lowers the frequency of operation. These improvements also make it possible for the magnetron itself to be made smaller without a loss of power output.

Abstract: An electrodeless lighting system includes: a resonator installed at an outlet of a waveguide guiding microwave energy generated from a magnetron and defining a cavity allowing light to pass therethrough while resonating microwave therein; a bulb positioned in the resonator and enclosing a radiation material for emitting light by the microwave energy; and one or plural microwave concentrating units installed at the inner circumferential surface of the resonator and concentrating microwave energy discharged from the outlet of the waveguide to the bulb. By concentrating microwave to electrodeless plasma bulb positioned inside the resonator, a stability in an initial lighting and light efficiency can be enhanced.

Abstract: An electrode-less fluorescent lamp and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed. The electrode-less fluorescent lamp of the present invention has a discharge tube of a 3-dimensional structure.

Abstract: A winding rod 104a of a bobbin 104 around which a winding 103 of an induction coil 109 is wound is inserted into a re-entrant part 120 of a luminous bulb 101. Plural projections 108, 108, . . . are provided on the winding rod 104a. These projections 108, 108, . . . project toward the wall surface of the re-entrant part 120 beyond the winding 103 of the induction coil 109. The winding 103 of the induction coil 109 is formed closer to the winding rod 104a than a virtual line linking between the adjacent corners of the adjacent projections 108 and 108 in the circumferential direction of the winding rod 104a.

Abstract: A mercury-free metal halide lamp includes an arc tube including a pair of electrodes inside the tube. In the arc tube, a rare gas and a metal halide are contained, and no mercury is contained. The mercury-free metal halide lamp is horizontally operated such that the pair of electrodes is substantially horizontal. The mercury-free metal halide lamp further includes magnetic field applying means for applying a magnetic field including a component substantially perpendicular to a straight line connecting heads of the pair of electrodes in a substantially vertical direction. The density of halogen atoms evaporated during steady-state operation with respect to unit inner volume of the arc tube is 20 &mgr;mol/cc or more.

Abstract: An electrodeless low pressure discharge lamp comprises an envelope made from a straight tube and a reentry cavity sealed to one of tube's ends. The cavity has several hollow ferrite cores separated from each other with a few mm distance. Each ferrite core has an induction coil of few turns wound around the core. Each cavity has a cooling copper tube or rod located inside the ferrite core that removes heat from the cores and dumps the heat into a heat sink welded to the cooling tube/rod thereby keep the temperature of the ferrite cores below their Curie point. Each induction coil is electrically connected to the matching network while all matching networks are connected in parallel to the high frequency power source (driver). Inductively coupled plasmas generated in the envelope by several core/coil assemblies produce axially uniform UV and visible radiation.

Abstract: An enhanced electron source in most respects similar to a standard cathode assembly for an electron gun includes an electron emitter surrounded by a suppressor electrode, the emitted electrons passing through an extractor electrode. Additionally, the suppressor electrode includes a small ring shaped permanent magnet surrounding the opening in the suppressor electrode through which the emitter tip protrudes. The resulting magnetic field is aligned with the beam axis, and includes a tail which forms a very short focal length magnetic lens immediately following the emitter tip. This magnetic field collimates the electron beam before it enters the downstream electrostatic gun lens, thus increasing the effective angular intensity of the cathode assembly. The aberrations of this collimating lens are very low so that its useful brightness is not reduced. Also the influence of guns lens aberrations is reduced because a smaller aperture angle in the gun lens may be used to obtain higher beam current.

Abstract: A high frequency inductively coupled electrodeless lamp includes an excitation coil with an effective electrical length which is less than one half wavelength of a driving frequency applied thereto, preferably much less. The driving frequency may be greater than 100 MHz and is preferably as high as 915 MHz. Preferably, the excitation coil is configured as a non-helical, semi-cylindrical conductive surface having less than one turn, in the general shape of a wedding ring. At high frequencies, the current in the coil forms two loops which are spaced apart and parallel to each other. Configured appropriately, the coil approximates a Helmholtz configuration. The lamp preferably utilizes an bulb encased in a reflective ceramic cup with a pre-formed aperture defined therethrough. The ceramic cup may include structural features to aid in alignment and/or a flanged face to aid in thermal management.

Abstract: A display device comprises a cathode means for emitting electrons and a permanent magnet having a two dimensional array of channels extending between opposite poles of the magnet. The magnet generates, in each channel, a magnetic field for forming electrons from the cathode means into an electron beam. A screen receives an electron beam from each channel, the screen having a phosphor coating facing the side of the magnet remote from the cathode, the phosphor coating comprising a plurality of areas, each area being capable of illumination, at least one of the areas being capable of illumination by a plurality of the electron beams. Grid electrode means are disposed between the cathode means and the magnet for controlling flow of electrons from the cathode means into each channel, the grid electrode means comprising a plurality of elements each element corresponding to a different area of the phosphor capable of illumination.

Abstract: An electrodeless gas discharge lamp includes a vitreous envelope containing a discharge medium. An excitation coil is positioned in relation to the vitreous envelope so as to excite the discharge medium therein. The excitation coil is adapted to be driven by an RF oscillator. The excitation coil has first and second ends and is effective for exciting the discharge medium to emit light with electromagnetic fields that are generated by the excitation coil. The excitation coil includes a first wire wound generally helically from the first end to the second end in a first helical direction to form first winding turns, and further includes a second wire wound generally helically from the first end to the second end in second helical direction opposite to that of the first helical direction to form second winding turns. Preferably, a generally cylindrical former is provided for holding the first and second wires between the first and second ends of the coil.

Abstract: In a magnetic field immersion type electron gun for controlling an electron beam emitted by an electron gun (51) with the use of an electric lens (56) and a magnetic field lens formed by permanent magnets (57, 58) of a coaxial ion pump (53), the ion pump magnets are a pair of cylindrical permanent magnets (57, 58) disposed coaxially with an optical axis (52) of the electron gun (51) in such a way as to sandwich a cylindrical ion pump anode (61) of the coaxial ion pump; the two permanent magnets are magnetized in a mutually opposing direction; a hollow cylindrical yoke (60) is disposed also coaxially with the optical axis (52) in such a way as to enclose the two permanent magnets (57, 58) within a hollow portion thereof; and the yoke (60) is formed with an annular yoke gap (63) in a radially inner circumferential surface of the yoke (60) to leak out a magnetic flux flowing through the yoke toward the optical axis.

Abstract: Magnetic point pole placements in a generally spherical arrangement of electromagnets forms a magnetic field. The magnetic arrangements use five regular geometric structures and geodesic triacon breakdowns of these geometric structures. Magnets are placed at the corners of each of the solids, oriented along the radii of the solid, with similar poles pointing inward. The magnets are at the same distance from structure center, and are identical in length and strength. Magnetic vector maps of fields within the structures are compared to current magnetic mirror plasma confinement fields. Non-symmetrical arrangements of magnets using regular geometric structures include specific magnets removed and new magnets added, resulting in a local monopole magnetic field and local inner field reversed mirror, depending on whether just one or both poles of the additional magnet are within the structure. Finally, the nesting of solids is presented.

Abstract: A device for optimizing a source of ions with electronic cyclotronic resonance (ECR) is provided. The present invention comprises a conventional ECR source to which an apparatus is added for moving the resonance point (C) which appears in the dielectric pipe when the source is in operation. The controlled adjustment of the position of the resonance point (C) ensures an optimal positioning of points A and B of the equimagnetic surface, points (A) and (B) being dependent on point (C). The resonance displacement apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, a magnetic screw threaded onto its periphery so as to form a screw/nut system with the armouring of the ECR source. Particular utility is found in the area of particle accelerator equipment for use in scientific and medical applications, although other utilities are contemplated.

Abstract: A cylindrically symmetric arc source to produce a ring of ions which leave the surface of the arc target radially and are reflected by electrostatic fields present in the source to a point of use, such as a part to be coated. An array of electrically isolated rings positioned in the source serves the dual purpose of minimizing bouncing of macroparticles and providing electrical insulation to maximize the electric field gradients within the source. The source also includes a series of baffles which function as a filtering or trapping mechanism for any macroparticles.

Abstract: A continuous, cathodic arc ion source coupled to a macro-particle filter capable of separation or elimination of macro-particles from the ion flux produced by cathodic arc discharge. The ion source employs an axial magnetic field on a cathode (target) having tapered sides to confine the arc, thereby providing high target material utilization. A bent magnetic field is used to guide the metal ions from the target to the part to be coated. The macro-particle filter consists of two straight solenoids, end to end, but placed at 45.degree. to one another, which prevents line-of-sight from the arc spot on the target to the parts to be coated, yet provides a path for ions and electrons to flow, and includes a series of baffles for trapping the macro-particles.

Abstract: In an electrode assembly, an electrode holder has a forward end thereof affixed coaxially to an electrode tip. An attachment member is affixed to the holder rearwardly of the electrode. A retaining assembly includes an outer cup component, an inner cup component and a magnet therein. An electrical lead is connected to the inner cup component. The electrode assembly fits coaxially into the retaining assembly with the attachment member adjacent to and retained by the magnet. The electrode holder is seated in electrical contact with the inner cup component. The holder, cup components and attachment member are magnetically permeable, and separated in each assembly by insulators, so as to effect an outer magnetic shielding loop and an inner magnetic shielding loop.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns electron guns comprising several electrodes, including a cathode. The gun has a device producing a magnetic field, adjustable if necessary, in the vicinity of the cathode. This device works together with one of the electrodes other than the cathode. It cooperates notably with the anode or the wehnelt. This device is either a solenoid or one or more permanent magnets. This device is placed either inside or outside the gun. It can be applied to high-power, "O" type electron tubes.

Abstract: A method of accelerating neutral plasma, consisting of electrons and positively charged ions, from low energy to high energy, by reflection of electromagnetic waves directed into the plasma, the frequency .omega. of the electromagnetic wave being smaller than the plasma frequency of the neutral plasma.

Abstract: Electrodeless low-pressure discharge lamp having a glass lamp vessel (1) which is sealed in a gaas-tight manner and which is filled with at least a metal vapor and a rare gas, said lamp having a first winding (6) which is connected to a high-frequency electric power supply unit and which generates an electric discharge in the lamp vessel (1), one of the supply wires of the first winding being electrically connected to a supply wire of a second winding (12) which extends at the area of the first winding and which has a free end (13), whilst the potential gradient between the ends of the first winding (6) is substantially equal to that of the second winding (12) during operation, ignition antennas (14, 15) being secured to the free end (13) of the second winding (12) and to one end (16) of the first winding (6).

Abstract: In a thyratron gas discharge device, magnetic material is located coaxially with the anode to produce a magnetic field between the anode and cathode which is substantially parallel to a discharge established between them. This causes electrons emitted from the cathode to have longer path lengths than would otherwise be the case and so the ionization density within the device is increased. This improved this operating characteristics of the thyratron and results in greater utilization of the cathode.

Abstract: A segmented radio-frequency quadrupole accelerator (10) having a top segment (12), a bottom segment (14), a first side segment (16) and a second side segment (18), each segment having an elongated vane portion (20) arranged in diametrically-opposed pairs along a common longitudinal axis. Mounting arms (30) are integrally formed in the outer walls (28) of the vane portion (20), each end of each mounting arm (30) having a mounting surface (32) formed of a projection (34) having a surface (36) and an end surface (38) oriented at substantially right angles to cooperate with a mounting portion on an adjacent minor segment having a surface (44) and an end surface (46) oriented at right angles. Seals (48) having a C-shaped, cross-sectional configuration are placed between the mounting surfaces to maintain electrical contact between the segments. Fasteners (54) are securely fastened through oversized holes (52) in the segments to adjustably fasten the segments together.

Abstract: According to the invention, the conducting collector wall (23) on which the electrons are collected is surrounded by a coil winding (36) which is supplied with a periodically varying current, creating a slightly divergent axial magnetic field whose amplitude is periodically variable with time. The electron trajectories strike the collector wall at a grazing, nearly tangential angle, broadening the zone of impact, and the zone of impact is swept back and forth along the length of the collector, further spreading the power to be dissipated on a greater surface of the collector. Application to realization of very high power tubes or moderate power tubes with reduced collector dimensions.

Abstract: An electric-arc device has two aligned electrodes separated by an arc gap. The position of an electric arc in the arc gap is stabilized by using at least two coils, each made as a rectangular loop and bent around a cylindric surface. The coils are mounted around the electrodes such that their arcuate sides form two respective circumferences whose centers lie on a line parallel to the axis of the electrodes. The length of the straight side of each coil is no less than the length of the arc gap. The coils are connected to a power supply such that currents flowing along the adjacent straight sides of the neighboring coils are oppositely directed. These opposing currents induce a magnetic field into the arc gap which controls the location of the electric arc.

Abstract: A vacuum arc ion device having a plasma-emissive cathode and an anode, each being energized with suitable potentials, and having the further structure for eliminating micro drops of molten material which micro drops are emitted for certain materials during plasma formation.

Abstract: A pair of starting electrodes are provided for an electrodeless high-intensity-discharge lamp of the type having an arc tube situated within the bore of an excitation coil and in the interior of which tube is to be provided a plasma arc discharge driven by the excitation coil. Each of the starting electrodes is a conductive ring actuated by a piezoelectric bender to move from a normal rest position away from the arc tube to a starting portion disposed adjacent to an associated one of an opposed pair of envelope surfaces. A high-voltage pulse coupled between the starting electrodes causes an electric field to be produced sufficient to create a glow discharge in the arc tube, and cause an almost instantaneous transition to a high-current solenoidal discharge to form the discharge plasma responsive to the normal field provided by the excitation coil; thereafter, the benders are de-activated and the starting electrodes move back to the rest positions.

Abstract: A novel excitation coil for both starting and maintaining a plasma arc discharge within the envelope of an arc tube in an electrodeless HID lamp, has first and second solenoidally - wound coil portions, each having an axis substantially in alignment with the axis of the other portion. The coil conductor of each portion may be disposed upon the surface of an imaginary cone having its vertex situated within the arc tube, or beyond the arc tube and within the volume of the other coil portion. The ends of each of the solenoid portions furthest from one another are connected together, and the remaining closely-positioned coil ends provide a sufficiently high starting potential, responsive to receiving an excitation signal, for providing a magnetic field; at any instant the magnetic field of each of the two portions combines in-phase in the volume, between the closer ends of both portions, into which the arc tube is normally inserted.

Abstract: A single starting electrode is provided for an electrodeless high-intensity-discharge lamp arc of the type having an arc tube situated within the bore of an excitation coil and in the interior of which arc tube is to be provided a plasma arc discharge driven by the excitation coil. The starting electrode is a conductive conical spiral having a narrower end disposed adjacent to one of the arc tube surfaces. A high voltage is formed by induction, as the spiral electrode receives an RF magnetic flux, to cause an electric field to be produced sufficient to create a glow discharge in the arc tube, and cause a rapid transition to a high-current solenoidal discharge to form the discharge plasma responsive to the normal field provided by the excitation coil.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to an electron source which contains, in a low pressure chamber, an anode (A), a cathode (K) and means for applying a magnetic field (13). The cathode is constituted by an equipotential cavity (10) provided with an aperture (11) on the side of the anode. The magnetic field is applied parallel to the anode-cathode direction at the aperture.

Abstract: In a magnetron, anode vanes are radially arranged in an anode cylinder and fixed to the inner surface of the anode cylinder. A cathode is arranged along a tube axis in the anode cylinder. Pole pieces of dish like shape are fixed to openings of the anode cylinder and the anode cylinder is hermetically sealed by cylindrical chambers. Permanent magnet rings are arranged around the cylindrical chambers, respectively, and are magnetically coupled by a yoke. Each of the pole pieces has a flange section, a flat inner disk section and a coupling section extending from the flange section to flat inner disk section. The outer diameter of pole piece is larger than 160% the diameter of an envelope defined by inner ends of the anode vanes. A envelope space contacting the inner ends of the anode vanes has a predetermined magnetic field intensity distribution that is produced by a magnetic flux supplied from the pole pieces and has a difference of not more than 15% along the tube axis.

Abstract: An excitation coil, for stimulating a high-intensity-discharge plasma in an electrodeless discharge lamp, has at least one turn of a conductor arranged generally upon the surface of a toroid with a rhomboid or V-shaped cross-section, which is substantially symmetrical about a plane passing through the maxima of the toroid. The major radius of the coil is such that the lamp is insertable into the coil so that the coil induces a co-planar toroid plasma discharge arc in the lamp, when the coil is connected to a radio frequency (RF) power source.

Abstract: A magnetic field apparatus for a particle accelerator having a particle track having curved sections contains several magnetic field-generating windings, and at least one supplemental winding provided for focusing the electrically charged particles. The system does not require pre-accelerators and relatively large particle streams should be capable of being accelerated nevertheless to relatively high energy levels. In the region of at least one of the curved sections of the particle track, an azimuthal guiding field for the particles is generated by the supplemental winding during the acceleration phase. This supplemental winding is designed as an appropriately curved electric conductor arrangement which in part encloses the particle track and which is designed in the manner of a hollow channel open toward the outside. The conductor arrangement is appropriately structured for suppressing eddy currents and carries a current transversely to the particle track.

Abstract: A projector lamp comprising a single ended metal halide discharge lamp in a generally spherical reflector has been found to exhibit turbulence when running. The resulting fluctuation of light especially when used in conjunction with the reflector to concentrate the light for studio or theatre applications provides an apparent movement which is extremely disturbing to the eye. It has been found the turbulent movement of gas around the electrodes in the lamp envelope can be regularised by the application of a magnetic field to the envelope. The turbulence is sensitive to conditions within the discharge arc tube and the strength and position of the magnetic field has to be variable to cater for this. The magnetic field is conveniently applied by an electro-magnet using lamp current.

Abstract: In construction of a shadow mask for color picture tubes, use of Invar for the shadow mask suppresses thermal deformation caused by electron beam impingement and provision of a four pole magnet frame surrounding each mask aperture causes increased convergence of electron beams, thereby enabling production of images with high resolution and brightness.

Abstract: A system for incorporation in ion-beam equipment to provide ion species filtering and optional ion beam blanking. The system has four magnets arranged on an optical axis. In between the two center magnets is arranged a plate having an off-axis aperture. The ion beam is caused to converge to a focus on a midplane in which the aforesaid plate is situated. When the magnets are energized, the ion beam is caused to bend by an amount depending upon the charge-to-mass ratio of the ion species within the beam. If constructed correctly, the aperture can thus be arranged to pass only a single ion species, the remainder colliding with and being absorbed by the plate. Beam blanking may optionally be achieved by blanking plates which may be used to deflect the ion beam in such a way that the resultant focal point of the ion beam is displaced away from the aperture so that the whole ion beam is blanked off. Astigmatism introduced into the system may be reduced or eliminated by the use of octopole electrode sets.

Abstract: A long life high current density hollow cathode electron beam source for use in various E-beam apparatus which uses an ionizable gas within the hollow cathode. Bombardment of an electron emissive surface within the hollow cathode by energetic gas ions causes electrons to be emitted by secondary emission rather than thermionic emission effects. Once initialized by an external ionization voltage the device is essentially self sustaining and operates near room temperature, rather than at thermionic emission temperatures, and with reduced voltages.

Abstract: An axial magnetic field vacuum-type circuit interrupter. Provided in an evacuated housing is a pair of opposed contacts at least one of which is movable with respect to the other and is movable between a closed position in engagement with the other contact to an open position spaced apart from the other contact to form an arcing gap therebetween during circuit interruption. Each contact includes a disc-shaped backing plate having at least two radially spiraling slots therethrough and a contact and arcing ring secured to and positioned about the face of the backing plate. The backing plates are substantially parallel to one another with the direction of the spiraling slots therethrough being reversed with respect to those of the opposing contact. Because of the reversed direction of spiraling in the opposed faces of the backing plates, an axial magnetic field is created by the flow of current through the contact structure which causes the arc to remain diffuse during the circuit interruption.

Abstract: The present invention purposes to suppress flickering phenomena which is caused by moving striation of rare gas discharge in a low pressure discharge lamp tube containing therein mercury and a rare gas; an apparatus for lighting a low pressure discharge lamp comprises a discharge tube and static magnetic field generating means, which is for instance a permanent magnet, disposed on the tube or around the tube, and generates a magnetic field to cross an electric field substantially all over the positive column in the tube.

Abstract: A reflex tetrode device for efficiently generating intense, pulsed unidirional ion beams. The device includes two thin, semitransparent anodes spaced from a real cathode which is maintained at ground potential. The first anode is spaced from and faces the real cathode. The second anode is spaced a short distance from the first anode and a virtual cathode is formed beyond the second anode when a sufficiently high electron current flows from the real cathode and through the anodes. The anodes are ring-like or disc-like structures secured to the edges of a support member with their planes perpendicular to the axis of the device between the real and virtual cathodes. The anode structure (i.e., the support member together with the two anodes) is connected to a pulsed high-voltage generator which is operated in positive polarity. Consequently, both anodes are at the same positive potential.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering high electrical energy levels by means of an igniter to an air-fuel mixture within an engine, is disclosed. The method and apparatus utilizes any of a variety of igniters of simple construction in an ignition system powered by an non-DC source to obtain extremely high current excursion peaks and extremely high alternating voltage levels feeding the igniters sequentially with the result of obtaining high intensity and high velocity plasma arcs of ionized matter. Such ionized matter may be subjected to a magnetic field integral with each igniter to substantially increase the energy level of the plasma, visually noting the increase in plasma intensity with audible increase in plasma velocity in an experimental set-up. The plasma generates ozone from the air component of the mixture or in the experimental set-up from the air surrounding the igniter, which ozone materially increases the fuel combustion rate and consequently improves engine operating efficiency.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for reducing the rate of erosion of electrodes between which an arc is sustained by the provision of a field coil around the electrode which is supplied with direct current and the oscillation of that direct current supply at a frequency in the range 5.times.10.sup.-1 to 1.times.10.sup.-4 Hz.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a completely closed plasma trap in an r.f. type glow discharge system to enable enhanced sputtering from a pair of electrodes so that substrates may be suitably coated. The electrode pairs may be post type, hollow or planar, in various shapes with and without end wings. All configurations utilize a cooperating magnetic field, provided by field coils external or internal to the electrodes, the magnetic field being shaped to define with the electrodes at least one plasma containing trap having axial symmetry imposed by the magnetic field and/or the electrode structure. The trap may be defined by the pair of electrodes acting in concert with each other and the magnetic field, one or more traps may be defined separately by each electrode and the magnetic field, or both types of traps may exist simultaneously in a hybrid situation. Means are also disclosed for mounting, centering, cooling, assembling and making electrical contact with various of the electrode structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a completely closed plasma trap in an r.f. type glow discharge system to enable enhanced sputtering from a pair of electrodes so that substrates may be suitably coated. The electrode pairs may be post type, hollow or planar, in various shapes with and without end wings. All configurations utilize a cooperating magnetic field, provided by field coils external or internal to the electrodes, the magnetic field being shaped to define with the electrodes at least one plasma containing trap having axial symmetry imposed by the magnetic field and/or the electrode structure. The trap may be defined by the pair of electrodes acting in concert with each other and the magnetic field, one or more traps may be defined separately by each electrode and the magnetic field, or both types of traps may exist simultaneously in a hybrid situation. Means are also disclosed for mounting, centering, cooling, assembling and making electrical contact with various of the electrode structures.

Abstract: A source for generating singly and/or multiply charged ions composed essentially of a glow cathode, an intermediate electrode and an anode electrode having a common axis of symmetry and bordering a gas discharge chamber and each presenting a passage opening coaxial with the axis of symmetry, and a system producing a magnetic field having an axial component along the axis of symmetry, with the anode electrode opening being at a location where the magnitude of the axial component of the magnetic field is substantially equal to its maximum value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a completely closed plasma trap in an r.f. type glow discharge system to enable enhanced sputtering from a pair of electrodes so that substrates may be suitably coated. The electrode pairs may be post type, hollow or planar, in various shapes with and without end wings. All configurations utilize a cooperating magnetic field, provided by field coils external or internal to the electrodes, the magnetic field being shaped to define with the electrodes at least one plasma containing trap having axial symmetry imposed by the magnetic field and/or the electrode structure. The trap may be defined by the pair of electrodes acting in concert with each other and the magnetic field, one or more traps may be defined separately by each electrode and the magnetic field, or both types of traps may exist simultaneously in a hybrid situation. Means are also disclosed for mounting, centering, cooling, assembling, and making electrical contact with various of the electrode structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a completely closed plasma trap in an r.f. type glow discharge system to enable enhanced sputtering from a pair of electrodes so that substrates may be suitably coated. The electrode pairs may be post type, hollow or planar, in various shapes with and without end wings. All configurations utilize a cooperating magnetic field, provided by field coils external or internal to the electrodes, the magnetic field being shaped to define with the electrodes at least one plasma containing trap having axial symmetry imposed by the magnetic field and/or the electrode structure. The trap may be defined by the pair of electrodes acting in concert with each other and the magnetic field, one or more traps may be defined separately by each electrode and the magnetic field, or both types of traps may exist simultaneously in a hybrid situation. Means are also disclosed for mounting, centering, cooling, assembling and making electrical contact with various of the electrode structures.

Abstract: A device for electrical deceleration of a flow of accelerated charged particles, includes three electrodes positioned downstream of the flow of charged particles, the first electrode having a potential equal to the energy of the electron flow, the second electrode having a potential approximately equal to zero and the third electrode, which is intended for the reception of particles, having a small potential of the same sign as that of the first electrode. The second electrode is made as a set of sharp members, their edges being directed toward the incoming flow of charged particles. The device can be provided with a fourth electrode positioned after the third electrode, the potential of the fourth electrode being of the same sign as that of the third electrode. In addition, the device can be provided with a fifth electrode positioned between the third and the fourth electrodes and having a potential of the same sign as that of said electrodes but smaller in absolute value.