Patent ID: 6150755
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A charged particle source comprising:a vessel defining an interior for containing a plasma, the vessel including an inlet communicating with the interior of the vessel and connectable to a source of atoms, and an aperture through which a charged particle beam is dischargeable;an energy generator for communication with the atoms in the interior of the vessel and for effecting ionization of the atoms in the vessel and creating the plasma;an electrode assembly disposed in the interior of the vessel, the electrode assembly including a conductive electrode support member, a tray member associated with said support member, a conductive liquid disposed in said tray member, said liquid having a surface area and a conductor connectable between said conductive liquid and a voltage source, andan ion optics assembly disposed adjacent the vessel aperture for accelerating plasma-generated charged particles having the same polarity as the conductive liquid from the vessel while maintaining charged particles of the opposite polarity within the vessel.