Patent ID: 8253334
Filing Date: 2012-08-28
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. An indirectly heated cathode ion source comprising an arc chamber; an arc chamber support having said arc chamber mounted thereon; and an ion source assembly connected to said arc chamber support, said ion source assembly including an insulator block secured to said arc chamber support; a graphite support plate mounted on said insulator block; a cathode assembly mounted in said support plate and having a cathode extending into said arc chamber, said cathode having a cavity open to end of said cathode and an end wall defining an end of said cavity; a shield mounted on said support plate in covering over relation to said insulator block to prevent formation of a conductive coating on said insulator block; and a filament clamp assembly mounted on said support plate, said filament clamp assembly including a filament having a pair of parallel connecting leads extending into said cavity of said cathode and a loop extending between said leads and spaced a predetermined distance from said end wall of said cathode.