Patent ID: 6797176
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: B03C

Abstract:
A device for separating particles of relatively high mass/charge ratios (M1) from particles of relatively low mass/charge ratios (M2), said device comprising:a cylinder having a first end and a second end with a wall extending therebetween to define a chamber with a longitudinal axis; a means for generating an axially aligned magnetic field (Bz) in said chamber, a plurality of substantially rectangular shaped coils mounted on said wall of said cylinder with each coil having a pair of opposed sides oriented substantially longitudinally, and a pair of opposed sides oriented substantially azimuthally relative to the axis; a means for sending alternating electrical currents through each said coil wherein the current in each said coil has a phase difference relative to the current in an adjacent said coil to generate a magnetic field (B0) in said chamber that is aligned substantially perpendicular to the axis and rotates about the axis; and a means for introducing a multi-species plasma into said chamber for interaction with said rotating magnetic field (B0) to rotate said plasma in said axially oriented magnetic field component (Bz) and induce a radially oriented electric field (Er) in said chamber to separate particles M1 from particles M2 in the crossed electric and magnetic fields (ErÃ—B1).