Patent ID: 6322706
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: B03C,G21F,H01J

Abstract:
A plasma filter for separating light mass particles, M.sub.1, from heavy mass particles, M.sub.2, which comprises:a hollow semi-cylindrical chamber defining a longitudinal axis, said chamber being enclosed by a wall located at a radial distance ""a"" from said axis, said chamber having a first end and a second end;at least one plasma source mounted in said chamber between the longitudinal axis and said wall, and between said first end and said second end, for generating a multi-species plasma with the multi-species plasma containing light mass particles (M.sub.1) and heavy mass particles (M.sub.2);a means for generating a magnetic field, B.sub.z, in said chamber, said magnetic field being aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis;a means for generating an electric field, E.sub.r, in said chamber, said electric field having a positive potential on the longitudinal axis, V.sub.ctr, and a substantially zero potential at said wall of said chamber, said electric field being oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and crossed with said magnetic field to rotate said multi-species plasma around the longitudinal axis to separate the light mass particles (M.sub.1) from the heavy mass particles (M.sub.2).