Abstract: An electrospray diffusion pump with an upper vacuum chamber coupled to a lower vacuum chamber by a cylinder having an aperture in the upper chamber at the center of a conductive extractor ring. A conductive tube is positioned in the upper chamber and is axially aligned with the conductive extractor ring. The conductive tube is coupled to receive a conductive or semi-conductive spray fluid. A voltage source is coupled between the conductive tube and the extractor ring and adjusted to form a Taylor Cone that provides a jet of charged droplets at the tip of the conductive tube, the charged droplets are attracted to the extractor ring and pass into the aperture, then through the cylinder into the second chamber. The charged droplets have nearly zero vapor pressure and transfer ambient gas at a first pressure from the upper chamber to the lower chamber at a lower pressure.

Abstract: An ionic liquid ion source can include a microfabricated body including a base and a tip. The microfabricated body can be formed of a porous metal compatible (e.g., does not react or result in electrochemical decaying or corrosion) with an ionic liquid or a room-temperature molten salt. The microfabricated body can have a pore size gradient that decreases from the base of the body to the tip of the body, so that the ionic liquid can be transported through capillarity from the base to the tip.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ions can include an emitter having a first end and a second end. The emitter can be coated with an ionic liquid room-temperature molten salt. The apparatus can also include a power supply and a first electrode disposed downstream relative to the first end of the emitter and electrically connected to a first lead of the power supply. The apparatus can also include a second electrode disposed downstream relative to the second end of the emitter and electrically connected to a second lead of the power supply.

Abstract: An ionic liquid ion source can include a microfabricated body including a base and a tip. The microfabricated body can be formed of a porous metal compatible (e.g., does not react or result in electrochemical decaying or corrosion) with an ionic liquid or a room-temperature molten salt. The microfabricated body can have a pore size gradient that decreases from the base of the body to the tip of the body, so that the ionic liquid can be transported through capillarity from the base to the tip.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing negative ions including an emitter coated with an ionic liquid room-temperature molten salt, an electrode positioned downstream relative to the emitter, a power supply that applies a voltage to the emitter with respect to the electrode. The power supply is sufficient to generate a stable high brightness beam of negative ions having minimal chromatic and spherical aberrations in the beam. An electrostatic lens and deflector is used to focus and direct the beam to a target.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing ions can include an emitter having a first end and a second end. The emitter can be coated with an ionic liquid room-temperature molten salt. The apparatus can also include a power supply and a first electrode disposed downstream relative to the first end of the emitter and electrically connected to a first lead of the power supply. The apparatus can also include a second electrode disposed downstream relative to the second end of the emitter and electrically connected to a second lead of the power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing negative ions including an emitter coated with an ionic liquid room-temperature molten salt, an electrode positioned downstream relative to the emitter, a power supply that applies a voltage to the emitter with respect to the electrode. The power supply is sufficient to generate a stable high brightness beam of negative ions having minimal chromatic and spherical aberrations in the beam. An electrostatic lens and deflector is used to focus and direct the beam to a target.