Abstract: An ion thruster is provided allowing a plasma discharge to be generated and confined in an external confinement space created by an external magnetic field B.

Abstract: A low-power Hall thruster gains significantly improved efficiency by a combination of features, including a single piece, h-shaped magnetic screen which enables a more efficient internal volume utilization as well as optimal magnetic shielding; an internally mounted cathode with varying diameter further decreases the footprint of the thruster; an anode with multiple baffles connected by axially oriented holes generates a highly azimuthally uniform propellant flow.

Abstract: Hall thrusters with conductive coatings are disclosed. A Hall thruster comprises magnetic shielding in order to avoid collisions with the inner walls of its discharge chamber. By removing the source of erosion, the walls of the chamber can be removed reducing mass, cost and complexity of the thruster. A conductive coating, such as an aluminum coating, is deposited on inner screens between the discharge chamber and the magnetic poles of the thruster. The magnetic field within the chamber shields the conductive coating deposited on the inner and outer screens of the chamber.

Abstract: The invention comprises a multi-axis charged particle irradiation method and apparatus. The multi-axis controls includes separate or independent control of one or more of horizontal position, vertical position, energy control, and intensity control of the charged particle irradiation beam. Optionally, the charged particle beam is additionally controlled in terms of timing. Timing is coordinated with patient respiration and/or patient rotational positioning. Combined, the system allows multi-axis and multi-field charged particle irradiation of tumors yielding precise and accurate irradiation dosages to a tumor with distribution of harmful proximal distal energy about the tumor.

Abstract: The method comprising displacing the formed electric arc towards an electrode located in an intermediate position between both main electrodes; a separating the formed electric arc into two secondary electric arcs, a semiconductor switch, normally open, connecting the intermediate electrode to one of the main electrodes; closing the semiconductor switch in order to extinguish the secondary electric arc between both electrodes connected by the semiconductor switch; opening the semiconductor switch in order to extinguish the other secondary electric arc. The disclosure further relates to a protection method and a protection device, notably a protection device specially designed for applying the method.

Abstract: A charged particle accelerator having a curvilinear beam trajectory maintained solely by a laterally directed, constant electric field; requiring no magnetic field. A method for controlling the trajectory of a charged particle in an accelerator by applying only a constant electric field for beam trajectory control. Curvilinear steering electrodes held at a constant potential create the beam path. A method for making a chip-scale charged particle accelerator involves integrated circuit-based processes and materials. A particle accelerator that can generate 110 KeV may a footprint less than about 1 cm2.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for production of a device for thermally induced field emission of particles for particle optical devices such as in particular electron or ion microscopes, having at least one particle emitter (3) arranged in or pointing into a vacuum space (2) with at least one field emitter tip (4) for the emission of the particles, and having a magnetic field generator (6) attributed to the particle emitter (3) for focussing of the emitted particle beam (5), with the particle emitter (3) with its field emitter tip (4) is built by emitter structures (9) positioned on the surface (7) of a substrate (8) which is turned away from the magnetic field generator (6), and the substrate (8) formed as separating wall between vacuum space (2) and the atmospheric space (10) situated outside the vacuum space (2) at the side (14) of the substrate (8) which is turned away from the emitter structures (9).

Abstract: An electrodeless bulb has a hollow quartz tube, with a solid stem extending from one end and a short hollow tip extending from the other end. The hollow interior of the tube extends into the tip with the same diameter as in the tube, but the wall thickness of the tip is reduced from that of the tube. The bulb is charged with an amount of indium bromide and traces of other metal halides to adjust light spectrum and a filling of xenon gas.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for detecting substances, such as explosives and/or drugs, using, in part, short bursts of energy light from a relatively low energy strobe. Embodiments include coupling the strobe with a detector for use in a portable hand-held unit, or a unit capable of being carried as a backpack. Embodiments further include placement of one or more stroboscopic desorption units and detectors in luggage conveyors systems, carry-on X-ray machines, and check-in counter locations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-frequency electromagnetic field generator that is capable of generating electromagnetic flux fields that are projected at a distance from the device. Radial fields, horizontal fields and spiral fields are generated by the electromagnetic field generator and are projected at a distance from the device. A wide range of frequencies is generated as a result of the fast rise time pulses produced by the device. The geometry and structure of the device cause the electromagnetic fields to encircle the device and be collected at the far end of the device by an antenna. An inner coil antenna, that is centrally disposed in the device, receives electromagnetic waves that are transformed into a current that is applied to an inner coil. The inner coil produces a strong electromagnetic field that extends outwardly in a horizontal direction that increases the projected horizontal distance of the electromagnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-beam klystron apparatus. In the above-described multi-beam klystron apparatus, the magnetic field generating element of the electron-gun-unit-side magnetic field generating unit is disposed around the electron gun unit, and a plurality of magnetic gaps are provided in the inner peripheral surface of the magnetic pole, which covers the magnetic field generating element, in the direction of travel of the electron beams. Therefore, lines of magnetic force, which are parallel to the center axis of the radio-frequency interaction unit, can be generated. Thus, even the electron beam, which is generated from the location apart from the center axis of the electron gun unit, can be guided to the radio-frequency interaction unit in the same manner as in the location at the canter axis of the electron gun unit.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provided an ion source including an anode and a cathode. In certain example embodiments, a multi-piece outer cathode is provided. The multi-piece outer cathode allows precision adjustments to be made, thereby permitting adjustment of the magnetic gap between the inner and outer cathodes. This allows improved performance to be realized, and/or prolonged operating life of certain components. This may also permit multiple types of gap adjustment to be performed with different sized outer cathode end pieces. In certain example embodiments, cathode fabrication costs may also be reduced.

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: 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: A gas ionizable to produce a plasma is introduced into a channel within an ion source and into a hollow cathode embedded within the same ion source. A combined anode and manifold is located at a closed end of the channel and gas is introduced into the channel through the combined anode and manifold and into the hollow cathode. A heater and keeper electrode power supply is used to establish a hollow cathode and keeper electrode plasma. A discharge power supply is used to flow electrons from the hollow cathode in a predominately 180.degree. direction to bombard the channel gas distribution and create a channel discharge plasma. A magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet circuit is concentrated by pole pieces at the open end of the channel in an orientation predominately transverse to the channel axis. Energetic electrons from the hollow cathode interact with the concentrated field to simultaneously ionize the channel gas and accelerates these ions through the open channel to form an ion beam.

Abstract: The present invention identifies several configurations of conducting elements capable of supporting extremely high magnetic fields suitable for plasma confinement, wherein forces experienced by the conducting elements are significantly reduced over those which are present as a result of the generation of such high fields by conventional techniques. It is anticipated that the use of superconducting materials will both permit the attainment of such high fields and further permit such fields to be generated with vastly improved efficiency.

Abstract: A cyclotron includes a magnetic field generating assembly defined by a pair of main, superconducting coils mounted about the axis of the cyclotron on a former. The coils are surrounded by an ion shield positioned within a cryostat. Radially outwardly of the shield are positioned a pair of coils which guide most or all of the magnetic flux due to the coils leaking out of the shield back into the shield.

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: Disclosed is an apparatus for stabilizing the light output of a high pressure discharge lamp comprising a coil generating a magnetic field acting upon the arc of the high pressure discharge lamp, an arc position detector detecting deviation of the position of the arc, and a magnetic field control circuit controlling the coil in response to the deviation detection output signal of the the arc position detector thereby setting right the position of the arc of the high pressure discharge lamp.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a magnetic field having a spatially predetermined field pattern in a useful volume, where bodies of ferro-magnetic material influencing the field pattern are disposed in the useful volume. To assure a spatially predetermined field pattern in the useful volume with only small field errors, outside and on opposite sides of the useful volume at least one thin plate-shaped body of predetermined geometric extent comprising a material having high permeability is provided, of which the surfaces facing the useful volume are shaped and arranged so that the surfaces lie on a magnetic equipotential surface of the magnetic field to be generated in the useful volume.

Abstract: Device for producing a sliding or traveling magnetic field, with a substantially constant modulus in a working region (11a), using movable permanent magnets, these permanent magnets forming cylindrical bars (1) with diametrical or radial magnetization, with one or more pairs of poles, arranged side by side with their axes parallel and equidistant (E), placed in one and the same plane (A), the magnetizations (J) of the bars (1) being successively angularly offset by a constant angle, the various bars (1) being driven rotationally around their axis at the same angular velocity and in the same direction, and the distance (Y) between the said working region (11a) and the plane (A) of the axes of the bars (1) being equal to at least 0.75 times the distance (E) between the axes of two successive bars.

Abstract: A multipole electron-bombardment type ion source includes an ion chamber defined by chamber walls and magnetic elements of an electrically insulating, permanently magnetized material. The magnetic elements provide mechanical support for anode elements and electrically isolate the anode elements from the chamber walls. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic elements and the anode elements form a layered structure.

Abstract: An improved arc gap structure for a lightning arrester comprises first and second annular electrodes concentrically arranged relative to one another. The first electrode has a generally cylindrical inner surface which tapers to a smaller diameter toward one end. The second electrode has a generally cylindrical outer surface which is sized to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the first electrode when received therein. The electrodes are axially displaced relative to one another such that the spacing between the upper corner of the second electrode and the tapered portion of the first electrode define the ignition arc gap for the lightning arrester. The second electrode is preferably axially adjustable relative to the first electrode to select a desired arc over voltage for the lightning arrester.

Abstract: Bipolar crossed-field device 10 has outer electrode 12 and inner electrode 18 which define interelectrode space 16. Magnetic field coils 46, 48 operate together to form a magnetic field in the interelectrode space 16 shaped to trap electrons for cascading ionization and plasma formation when viewed from either electrode.

Abstract: An auxiliary magnetic field coil is associated with the interelectrode space of a crossed-field switch device for ignition of the crossed-field switch device when high voltage is applied across the interelectrode space. The auxiliary magnetic field coil produces a localized field in which physical conditions cause conduction in the glow mode. Once conduction is started, the interelectrode voltage falls and with the main magnetic field applied to the entire effective interelectrode space, normal glow mode conduction takes place.

Abstract: A xenon lamp containing magnet adsorbers, each of the magnet adsorbers having pieces of magnetic material which are dispersed in a ring-shaped, heat-resisting, electric insulating plate and being mounted between the discharge portion of an electrode inside the tube of the xenon lamp and the sealed portion of the electrode at an end of the tube, whereby the metallic vapor and other volatilized matters resulting from the elevated temperature of the electrode during discharge are adsorbed by the adsorber due to the magnetic field of the latter and do not adhere to the inside of the tube to thereby prevent blackening, devitrification and white-turbidity of the tube.

Abstract: A xenon lamp containing open ring-shaped magnets mounted inside the tube of the lamp between the discharge portion of an electrode and the portion of the electrode sealed in the end of said tube, whereby the metallic vapor and other volatilized matters due to the elevated temperature of the electrode at the time of discharge are adhered on the magnet due to the magnetic field thereof and do not adhere to the inside of the tube to thereby prevent blackening, devitrification and white-turbidity of the tube.

Abstract: For off-switching, the magnetic field in a crossed-field switch device is modified by a localized auxiliary field to terminate the previously continuous closed electron path in the interelectrode space to terminate cascading ionization. The auxiliary field and its source can be much smaller in scope than the main field so that off-switching is quickly achieved.

Abstract: A discharge lamp with minimized upward bowing of the arc in which conductors carrying full arc current are placed in close proximity above and below the arc tube. The conductors run parallel with the longitudinal axis of the arc tube and the conductors above the arc are electrically connected in such a manner as to carry full lamp current in the opposite direction of the arc, thus repelling the arc in a downward direction, and the conductor or conductors below the arc tube are electrically connected so as to carry full lamp current in the same direction of the arc, thus attracting the arc downward.

Abstract: A multipole magnetic well for plasma confinement includes a plurality of current-carrying coils placed on planes corresponding to the facets of a regular polyhedron that can be symmetrically circumscribed about a sphere. The direction of current in the coils is such as to minimize the flux density at the center of the polyhedron, thereby providing a confinement well with three-dimensional symmetry having an increasing flux density in all directions from the center.

Abstract: An electron-bombardment ion source has a chamber into which an ionizable propellant is introduced. Electrons flowing from a cathode to an anode serve to ionize the propellant. The resulting ions are accelerated out of the chamber. To increase the efficiency of ionization of the propellant by the electrons, a magnetic field is established within the chamber. To that end, there are a plurality of successively-spaced segments of electrically-conductive magnetic material. The segments are interconnected so as, collectively, to serve as the anode. Individually adjacent ones of the segments are respectively polarized as magnetic opposites, the segments together serving to establish the magnetic field.