Abstract: An ion source design and manufacturing techniques allows longitudinal cathode expansion along the length of the anode layer source (ALS). Cathode covers are used to secure the cathode plates to the source body assembly of an ion source. The cathode covers allow the cathode plate to expand along the longitudinal axis of the ion source, thereby relieving the stress introduced by differential thermal expansion. In addition, the cathode cover configuration allows for less expensive cathode plates, including modular cathode plates. Such plates can be adjusted relative to the cathode-cathode gap to prolong the life of a given cathode plate and maintain source performance requirements. A cathode plate in a linear section of an ion source has symmetrical edges and can, therefore, be flipped over to exchange the first (worn) cathode edge with the second (unworn) cathode edge.

Abstract: A modular ion source design relies on relatively short modular anode layer source (ALS) components, which can be coupled together to form a longer ALS. For long ion sources, these shorter modular components allow for easier manufacturing and further result in a final assembly having better precision (e.g., a uniform gap dimensions along the longitudinal axis of the ion source). Modular components may be designed to have common characteristics so as to allow use of these components in ion sources of varying sizes. A modular gas distribution system uniformly distributes a working gas to the ionization region of the module ion source. For each gas distribution module, gas distribution channels and baffles are laid out relative to the module joints to prevent gas leakage. Furthermore, gas manifolds and supply channels are used to bridge module joints while uniformly distributing the working gas to the ALS.

Abstract: A syringe has a retractable needle and a barrel having an open proximal end and an open distal end defining a receiver with an inward shoulder. The barrel has a hollow bore, an elongate plunger with a proximal end and a distal open end with a cavity therewithin. A stopper occludes the open end of the cavity. The syringe has an elongate hub with a proximal flange. The hub is within and sized for slidable movement within the receiver at the distal end of the barrel with the flange defining a distal end of a chamber. There is a sleeve sized to fit with a clearance about the hub disposed between the shoulder and the flange when the hub is in the receiver, the sleeve having a sharpened proximal end disposed against the flange. The needle has a pointed distal end and a proximal end connected to the passageway of the hub with the pointed end of the needle extending outwardly.