Abstract: A device for creating an environment in which fusion can occur is provided. In its most basic embodiment, the present invention comprises two opposing cathodes separated from each other by a gap. An anode is positioned outside of the gap on a horizontal plane from the vertically positioned cathodes. This cathode and anode structure is positioned within a chamber with a vacuum drawn. Into the chamber, a quantity of fuel such as hydrogen, deuterium, and/or tritium fuel may be introduced. Upon application of a current to the system, ions will be retained in orbit about the cathodes, creating a plasma.

Abstract: An aneutronic magnetron energy generator that generates microwave energy from a fusion-fission reaction that produces alpha particles in response to a proton colliding with an 11B nucleus. The magnetron energy generator includes a magnetron having an anode resonator including a central chamber and a plurality of radially disposed cavities. A cathode assembly is provided at the center of the chamber and includes a cathode electrode that generates a proton plasma. A series of electrically isolated acceleration rings extend from the cathode electrode and operate to accelerate protons from the proton plasma towards an outer target ring composed of boron eleven (11B). The accelerated protons fuse with the 11B nuclei to generate the alpha particles that then interact with crossed electric and magnetic fields between the target ring and the cavities. The alpha particles resonate with the cavities and generate a current within the resonator that is collected.

Abstract: An aneutronic magnetron energy generator that generates microwave energy from a fusion-fission reaction that produces alpha particles in response to a proton colliding with an 11B nucleus. The magnetron energy generator includes a magnetron having an anode resonator including a central chamber and a plurality of radially disposed cavities. A cathode assembly is provided at the center of the chamber and includes a cathode electrode that generates a proton plasma. A series of electrically isolated acceleration rings extend from the cathode electrode and operate to accelerate protons from the proton plasma towards an outer target ring composed of boron eleven (11B). The accelerated protons fuse with the 11B nuclei to generate the alpha particles that then interact with crossed electric and magnetic fields between the target ring and the cavities. The alpha particles resonate with the cavities and generate a current within the resonator that is collected.

Abstract: Nuclear transformation method and apparatus can produce thermal energy and hydrogen with a simple structure. A reaction cell, made of metal material like iron, from which oxygen is discharged is heated by a heater at a temperature above 500° C. Water is supplied into the reaction cell to be changed into steam which reacts on the inner wall of the reaction cell to produce hydrogen and thermal energy through a nuclear transformation. In the case that a reaction agent (NaOH, K2TiO3) which includes at least alkaline metal and oxygen is accommodated in the reaction cell, a nuclear reaction occurs without the supply of water.

Abstract: Respective pulsed power supplies for plasma opening switches each produce a first current and a second current during a power pulse and a difference between the first current and the second current during a terminal portion of the power pulse. The pulsed power supplies are initiated or adjusted in response to measured opening times of the plasma opening switches in order to minimize or eliminate a need for command triggered opening of the plasma opening switches. Command triggered opening may occur in real time for a shot as needed in response to asymmetry of opening times of the plasma opening switches in the array during the shot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resonant vacuum arc discharge apparatus for producing nuclear fusion. A resonant high-frequency high-voltage alternating current (AC) power supply is used to efficiently power a fusion tube normally containing deuterium, tritium and/or helium-3 vapor. Metals that can hold large amounts of hydrogen isotopes such as palladium and titanium can be used to increase the target density. The nuclear fusion device can be used for energy production, well logging, uranium mining, neutron activation analysis, isotope production or other applications that require a neutron source.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for generating particles with a high degree of anisotropy in the direction of emission.

Abstract: A source configured to generate radiation for a lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The source includes an anode, and a cathode. The cathode and the anode are configured to create a discharge in a fuel in a discharge space between the anode and the cathode so as to generate a plasma, the cathode and the anode positioned relative to each other so that, in use, current lines extending between the anode and the cathode are substantially curved so as to create a force that substantially radially compresses the plasma only in a region proximate an upper surface of the cathode or of the anode.

Abstract: A method and several embodiments of an apparatus for increasing reliability in IEC devices through ionization of a gas while imparting a non-radial momentum thereupon. Said non-radial momentum producing collisions between ionized particles and free neutrons generated from a point of nuclear fusion. Collisions are reduced between neutrons and apparatuses effecting temperatures in the vicinity of said point of nuclear fusion. An electrical switching apparatus externally mounted to a cathode that encompasses an anode with an accelerator cage being disposed in-between. Said accelerator cage being electrically connected to said electrical switching apparatus.

Abstract: A pulsed power system has an inductive energy storage circuit (42) including a current source (43) and a plasma opening switch (44). The plasma opening switch has a transmission line (51, 52) coupling the current source to a load (41). The plasma opening switch changes from a closed state to an open state when a plasma discharge (45) in the plasma opening switch is driven by magnetic force from a first region along the transmission line to a second region towards the load. Electrical conductors (47, 48) are arranged for providing a stabilizing magnetic field configuration in the first region to magnetically latch the plasma discharge in the first region during charging of the inductive energy storage circuit, and current flowing along the transmission line from the current source to the load tends to disrupt the stabilizing magnetic field configuration and unlatch the plasma discharge from the first region and drive the plasma discharge toward the second region.

Abstract: Ion sources and methods for generating molecular ions in a cold operating mode and for generating atomic ions in a hot operating mode are provided. In some embodiments, first and second electron sources are located at opposite ends of an arc chamber. The first electron source is energized in the cold operating mode, and the second electron source is energized in the hot operating mode. In other embodiments, electrons are directed through a hole in a cathode in the cold operating mode and are directed at the cathode in the hot operating mode. In further embodiments, an ion beam generator includes a molecular ion source, an atomic ion source and a switching element to select the output of one of the ion sources.

Abstract: A plasma antenna generator includes a ceramic portion including an ionizable material, an explosive charge adapted to project at least part of the ceramic portion upon detonation at a velocity sufficient to ionize the ionizable material, and a detonator coupled with the explosive charge. A plasma antenna generator includes a housing defining a plurality of openings therein and a plurality of shaped charge devices or a plurality of explosively formed projectile devices received in the openings. Each of the devices includes an explosive charge, a detonator coupled with the explosive charge, and a ceramic liner, the ceramic liner comprising an ionizing material. A method includes providing an explosive device and a ceramic portion comprising an ionizable material disposed proximate the explosive device, detonating the explosive device to propel the ceramic portion, and ionizing the ionizable material to form at least one plasma trail.

Abstract: A catalytic electrode, cell, system and process for absorbing and storing hydrogen (H2) and deuterium (D2) from the gaseous to the solid ionic form. The cell includes a non-conductive sealed housing and a conductive catalytic electrode positioned within the housing which absorbs H2 and/or D2 gas and stores it in a solid ionic form. These electrodes are formed of palladium (Pd), titanium (Ti), or zirconium (Zr). Each end of the electrode is plated with a layer of gold and encapsulated with a curable resin to form a confinement zone for H± and/or D± storage. The process includes connecting an external d.c. electric power source to each confinement zone during H2 and/or D2 gas loading of the electrode to cause a plasma-like reaction to occur which drives the H2 and/or D2 in the electrode to each encapsulated confinement to effect long-term storage of the ion form H± and D± in a solid form for later use.

Abstract: Described herein are integrated systems for generating neutrons to perform a variety of tasks including: on-line analysis of bulk material and industrial process control (as shown in FIG. 1), security interrogation (as shown in FIG. 2), soil and environmental analysis, and medical diagnostic treatment. These systems are based on novel gas-target neutron generation which embodies the beneficial characteristics of replenishable fusible gas targets for very long lifetime, stability and continuous operation, combined with the advantageous features common to conventional accelerator neutron tubes including: on/off operation, hermetically sealed operation, and safe storage and transport. Innovative electron management techniques provide gas-target neutron production efficiencies that are comparable or surpass existing sources.

Abstract: A compact neutron generator has at its outer circumference a toroidal shaped plasma chamber in which a tritium (or other) plasma is generated. A RF antenna is wrapped around the plasma chamber. A plurality of tritium ion beamlets are extracted through spaced extraction apertures of a plasma electrode on the inner surface of the toroidal plasma chamber and directed inwardly toward the center of neutron generator. The beamlets pass through spaced acceleration and focusing electrodes to a neutron generating target at the center of neutron generator. The target is typically made of titanium tubing. Water is flowed through the tubing for cooling. The beam can be pulsed rapidly to achieve ultrashort neutron bursts. The target may be moved rapidly up and down so that the average power deposited on the surface of the target may be kept at a reasonable level. The neutron generator can produce fast neutrons from a T-T reaction which can be used for luggage and cargo interrogation applications.

Abstract: A compact neutron generator has at its outer circumference a toroidal shaped plasma chamber in which a tritium (or other) plasma is generated. A RF antenna is wrapped around the plasma chamber. A plurality of tritium ion beamlets are extracted through spaced extraction apertures of a plasma electrode on the inner surface of the toroidal plasma chamber and directed inwardly toward the center of neutron generator. The beamlets pass through spaced acceleration and focusing electrodes to a neutron generating target at the center of neutron generator. The target is typically made of titanium tubing. Water is flowed through the tubing for cooling. The beam can be pulsed rapidly to achieve ultrashort neutron bursts. The target may be moved rapidly up and down so that the average power deposited on the surface of the target may be kept at a reasonable level. The neutron generator can produce fast neutrons from a T-T reaction which can be used for luggage and cargo interrogation applications.

Abstract: A compound plasma configuration can be formed from a device having pins, and an annular electrode surrounding the pins. A cylindrical conductor is electrically connected to, and coaxial with, the annular electrode, and a helical conductor coaxial with the cylindrical conductor. The helical conductor is composed of wires, each wire electrically connected to each pin. The annular electrode and the pins are disposed in the same direction away from the interior of the conducting cylinder.

Abstract: A method for generating a ballshaped plasma or similar phenomen in a spherical chamber (8), where fuel gases are supplied through the jet nozzles (2a,2b), bringing the plasma ball into rotation. The ionization of the gases is started and maintained by electric discharge and/or laser energy. Magnetic fields are provided through pole pieces (4a,4b,6a,6b), one field of which is rotating in accordance with the plasma ball rotation. A chamber (8) for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and utilizing a compound plasma configuration is disclosed. The plasma configuration includes a central toroidal plasma with electrical currents surrounded by a generally ellipsoidal mantle of ionized particles or electrically conducting matter. The preferred methods of forming this compound plasma configuration include the steps of forming a helical ionized path in a gaseous medium and simultaneously discharging a high potential through the ionized path to produce a helical or heliform current which collapses on itself to produce a toroidal current, or generating a toroidal plasmoid, supplying magnetic energy to the plasmoid, and applying fluid pressure external to the plasmoid. The apparatus of the present invention includes a pressure chamber wherein the compound plasma configuration can be isolated or compressed by fluid or other forms of mechanical or magnetic pressure.

Abstract: An ion thruster for accelerating positively charged ions produced by the collision of free electrons with gas atoms. An ion thruster (10,100) includes a cathode chamber (12, 60, 118) and an ionization chamber (14, 106). The outer surface of an emitter tube (28, 61, 128) is coated with a dielectric material to protect the emitter tube from sputtering erosion. A plurality of bar magnets (20, 22; 108, 110) are arranged in a spaced apart circular array around the cathode chamber with a pole face of each of the magnets tangentially aligned with wall sections (16, 18; 102, 104) of the ionization chamber. The bar magnets thus define a picket fence, wherein the magnetic field between adjacent bar magnets is used to extend the mean path of an electron entering the ionization chamber, improving the probability that it will impact an atom, creating an ion.A grid plate (112) comprises an accelerator grid (204) coated on its inner and outer surfaces with a dielectric coating (206, 208).

Abstract: An experimental nuclear fusion reactor comprising a coaxial plasma gun which has an outer electrode and an inner electrode arranged coaxially with each other, a metallic container which generates an annular plasma round a center conductor and which holds a poroidal magnetic flux, an inlet which introduces a plasma from the coaxial plasma gun into the container, and conductor members which electrically connect the center conductor, either of the outer and inner electrodes, the inlet and the container in succession so as to form a closed circuit, wherein current to flow through the closed circuit is controlled to hold a toroidal magnetic flux of the annular plasma.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and utilizing a compound plasma configuration is disclosed. The plasma configuration includes a central toroidal current surrounded by a generally ellipsoidal mantel of ionized particles. The preferred methods of forming this compound plasma configuration include the steps of forming a helical ionized path in a gaseous medium and simultaneously discharging a high potential through the ionized path to produce a helical current which collapses on itself to produce a torroidal current, or generating a toroidal plasmoid, supplying magnetic energy to the plasmoid, and applying gas pressure external to the plasmoid. The apparatus of the present invention includes a pressure chamber wherein the compound plasma configuration can be isolated or compressed by fluid or other forms of mechanical pressure.

Abstract: A method of producing fusion reactions comprises the steps of bringing deuterium ions from an ion source to run in a substantially closed path for accumulation of the ions to a predetermined density, whereupon the ions are deflected towards a reaction center inside this closed path. An apparatus for a fusion reactor includes two annular, coaxially disposed magnets (12,20) which are disposed to produce magnetic fields in a vacuum tank. The inner magnet (20) produces a homogenous field transversely to the plane in which deuterium ions are intended to circulate prior to reaction, and the outer magnet (12,14) produces an inhomogenous field which decreases outwardly in radial direction and is also directed transversely to said plane. Electrodes (16,18) are provided to produce a radial electric field in the area having said inhomogenous magnetic field, which electric field is directed transversely to this inhomogenous field.

Abstract: A high concentration of positive molecular ions of hydrogen or deuterium gas is extracted from a positive ion source having a short path length of extracted ions, relative to the mean free path of the gas molecules, to minimize the production of other ion species by collision between the positive ions and gas molecules. The ion source has arrays of permanent magnets to produce a multi-cusp magnetic field in regions remote from the plasma grid and the electron emitters, for largely confining the plasma to the space therebetween. The ion source has a chamber which is short in length, relative to its transverse dimensions, and the electron emitters are at an even shorter distance from the plasma grid, which contains one or more extraction apertures.

Abstract: A self-colliding particle beam apparatus is capable of increasing stored ion density by a factor 10 and increasing ion confinement time by a factor of 10 to thereby increase the collisional energy between particles. The self-collider comprises essentially a superconducting magnet, an ultra-high vacuum system and an electrostatic stabilizer. The self-collider apparatus can be employed as part of a beam energy multiplier by combining it with an injector, including an ion source, an accelerator and a beam transport system. By increasing the stored ion density by a factor of 10 and by increasing the ion confinement time by a factor of 10, the increase in collisional probability between two particles increases by a factor of 1,000; this is due to the fact that the number of collisions is proportional to (density).sup.2 .times.(confinement time) and therefore 10.sup.2 .times.10 equals 1,000.

Abstract: An intense electrical discharge along the axis of a capillary having condensed phase (liquid or solid) walls produces a controlled transient plasma temperature of 10 million degrees Kelvin or more. In order to reach such a temperature, the capillary is formed with a suitably small diameter and a sufficiently large aspect ratio and the electrical discharge must have a suitably short risetime and a sufficient high intensity. In the preferred embodiment, the capillary walls comprise thermonuclear fusible material, the plasma temperature reaches at least 60 million degrees Kelvin, and the density-time product is sufficient to produce a useful thermonuclear fusion reaction. The ultra-high temperature capillary discharge can be used as a pulsed source of nuclear and/or x-ray radiation or as a pulsed nuclear fusion reactor.

Abstract: An applied-B field extraction ion diode has uniform insulation over an anode surface for increased efficiency. When the uniform insulation is accomplished with anode coils, and a charge-exchange foil is properly placed, the ions may be focused at a point on the z axis.

Abstract: A high speed gas valve (10) comprises an annular base member (14) having a plurality of plenums (18--18) into which a gas is admitted through a passage (42) in an overlying coverplate (16). Within each plenum is a conductive disc (26) which seals an orifice (20) leading from the respective plenum into an annular channel (39) in the top surface of a plate (34) in intimate contact with the bottom of the base member. The channel (39) connects each of a plurality of inclined nozzles (36--36) in the plate to each of the plenums (18--18). Underneath each disc (26) is a portion of an electrode (22). When a time varying voltage is applied to the electrode, a time varying current passes therein causing an eddy current to be induced in each of the discs (26--26) which lifts them simultaneously out of sealing engagement with the respective orifices (20--20). As a result, gas is discharged from the nozzles (36--36) as inclined gas streams (46--46) which form a shell (48).

Abstract: Intense soft X-ray source having an enclosure filled with gas and having two electrodes connected to a high voltage source, one of the electrodes having an opening. A device is provided for producing a photoionizing radiation directed through the opening. The radiation traversing the gas in the direction of the other electrode and during its passage producing a plasma microchannel, an electrical discharge supplied by the source then occurring in the microchannel, wherein the device for producing the photoionizing radiation is an auxiliary soft X-ray source.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for maintaining steady state compact toroidal plasmas. A compact toroidal plasma is formed by a magnetized coaxial plasma gun and held in close proximity to the gun electrodes by applied magnetic fields or magnetic fields produced by image currents in conducting walls. Voltage supply means maintains a constant potential across the electrodes producing an increasing magnetic helicity which drives the plasma away from a minimum energy state. The plasma globally relaxes to a new minimum energy state, conserving helicity according to Taylor's relaxation hypothesis, and injecting net helicity into the core of the compact toroidal plasma. Controlling the voltage so as to inject net helicity at a predetermined rate based on dissipative processes maintains or increases the compact toroidal plasma in a time averaged steady state mode.

Abstract: A system for generating soft X rays. This system includes valve apparatus for repetitively providing bursts of a gas of brief duration and a magnetic pulse compression power supply for providing high current pulses. The system further includes a transmission line connected to the power supply for transmitting power pulses from the supply to discharge through bursts of gas. The power supply includes a plurality of series saturable inductor magnetic switches and a plurality of shunt capacitors. Thus, upon synchronized provision of a burst of gas from the valve apparatus and a power pulse from the power supply, a high current discharge generates plasma and an intense magnetic field which radially compresses the plasma, resulting in a dense, high temperature plasma which is an intense source of soft X rays.

Abstract: A transmission line connecting a power supply, for supplying power pulses, to a load disposed inside of a vacuum chamber. Electrically conductive debris in both gaseous and non-gaseous forms is generated in response to the application of the power pulse to the load. The transmission line includes first and second conductors electrically connecting the power supply to the load. An insulator extends between the conductors and partially defines the vacuum chamber. A dump for debris in non-gaseous form is disposed between load and the insulator and the transmission line further includes a system for ejecting gaseous debris from between the conductors so that substantial debris is prevented from accumulating on the insulator, which accumulation, if allowed to form, could result in flashover of the transmission line.

Abstract: A single-ring magnetic cusp low gas pressure ion source designed for use in a sealed, nonpumped neutron generator utilizes a cathode and an anode, three electrically floating electrodes (a reflector behind the cathode, a heat shield around the anode, and an aperture plate), together with a single ring-cusp magnetic field, to establish and energy-filtering mechanism for producing atomic-hydrogen ions.

Abstract: An ionizable material is ejected in the shape of a cylindrical column from a cathode-nozzle toward an anode and subjected to a very short, high voltage pulse of electrical current having sufficient magnitude to create a high magnetic field which implodes the cylindrical column of ionizable material to a very high density plasma that emits long wave length x-rays. Accurate and reliably reproduced x-ray bursts are provided through coupling of the cathode and anode to the high voltage pulse generator without substantially degrading the pulse. The conductors between the pulse generator and the cathode and anode are of a configuration whereby a magnetic field is used to prevent the electron losses by tapering the spacing between feed conductors and shaping the feed conductors so that space-charge flow is retrapped and made usable.

Abstract: A magnetic filter for an ion source reduces the production of undesired ion species and improves the ion beam quality. High-energy ionizing electrons are confined by the magnetic filter to an ion source region, where the high-energy electrons ionize gas molecules. One embodiment of the magnetic filter uses permanent magnets oriented to establish a magnetic field transverse to the direction of travel of ions from the ion source region to the ion extraction region. In another embodiment, low energy 16 eV electrons are injected into the ion source to dissociate gas molecules and undesired ion species into desired ion species.

Abstract: Tokamak apparatus includes a pressure vessel for defining a reservoir and confining liquid therein. A toroidal liner disposed within the pressure vessel defines a toroidal space within the liner. Liquid metal fills the reservoir outside said liner. Electric current is passed through the liquid metal over a conductive path linking the toroidal space to produce a toroidal magnetic field within the toroidal space about the major axis thereof. Toroidal plasma is developed within the toroidal space about the major axis thereof.