Patent ID: 6730231
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A system for introducing a multi-species plasma into a plasma chamber for separating relatively low-mass to charge ions (M1) from relatively high-mass to charge ions (M2) which comprises:a substantially cylindrical shaped chamber having a wall and defining a longitudinal axis; an electrical means for establishing a voltage potential (Vctr) in a substantially cylindrical shaped core column having a first end and a second end, said core column being axially aligned in said chamber to create a radially oriented electric field (Er) between said core column and said wall of said chamber; a magnetic means for generating a substantially uniform magnetic field (B0), said magnetic field being axially oriented for interaction with said radial electric field, Er, to create crossed electric and magnetic fields (EÃ—B) in said chamber between said core column and said wall of said chamber; and a first injector positioned at said first end of said core column and a second injector positioned at said second end of said core column for introducing a plasma feed into said core column for ionization of said feed, and for subsequent diffusion of said plasma therefrom into said crossed electric and magnetic fields (EÃ—B) to separate said low-mass to charge ions M1 from said high-mass to charge ions M2.