Patent ID: 6590923
Filing Date: 2003-07-08
Classification: G21K

Abstract:
An optically pumped direct extraction electron spin filter system for producing a flow of electrons with a preferred-spin-polarization-direction comprising:a chamber means having an essentially enclosed space and means for maintaining said enclosed space at below atmospheric pressure; said enclosed space including: buffer gas and electric discharge means for producing random spin electrons by electric discharge in said buffer gas; and atomic means for accepting electrons with random spin and producing electrons with a preferred-spin-polarization-direction via electron exchange; said chamber means further including: means for generating an electric field in said enclosed space; means for generating a magnetic field in said enclosed space; means for injecting into said enclosed space, a beam of predominately single handedness photons along a locus which is substantially co-linear with a magnetic field generated by said means for generating a magnetic field; and means for flowing preferred-spin-polarization-direction electrons from said enclosed space; such that said atomic means for accepting electrons with random spin and producing electrons with a preferred-spin-polarization-direction via electron exchange is, by pumped interaction with said beam of predominantly single handedness photons which are injected along a locus substantially co-linear with said magnetic field, induced to accept said random spin electrons generated by said electric discharge in said buffer gas, and produce electrons with a preferred-spin-polarization-direction which flow out of said enclosed space under the influence of an electric field produced by said means for generating an electric field.