Patent ID: 6515281
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A stochastic cyclotron ion filter for separating ions according to mass which comprises:a plasma source for providing a multi-species plasma, said plasma including particles having a predetermined mass to charge ratio (M) and a cyclotron frequency (&OHgr;); a substantially cylindrical shaped chamber for receiving said multi-species plasma therein, said chamber defining an axis; a means for generating a substantially uniform magnetic field (B) in said chamber, said magnetic field being oriented substantially parallel to said axis in said chamber; a means for generating a plurality of signals, said signals having frequencies in a frequency interval between a first frequency (&ohgr;1) and a second frequency (&ohgr;2), for establishing an electrical field (E) in said chamber, said electrical field being oriented substantially perpendicular to said axis to establish crossed electric and magnetic fields (EÃ—B) in said chamber; and a means for selectively collecting said particles of mass M from said plasma, said collected particles of mass M having a cyclotron frequency &OHgr; in said frequency interval (&ohgr;12) and a collisional frequency (&ngr;) in said plasma wherein (&ohgr;2âˆ’&ohgr;1&gE;&ngr;.