Patent ID: 6989629

Claim:
A method for reducing dispersal of particulate debris from an electrical discharge source, comprising: providing an electrical discharge source, the source comprising: an electrically insulating body defining a capillary bore having an inlet and outlet; a first electrode defining a channel having an inlet connected to a source of gas and an outlet in communication with the inlet of the capillary bore; a second electrode defining a channel in communication with the outlet of the capillary bore; an endcone disposed proximate said second electrode and on the axial line of the capillary bore, wherein the endcone is maintained at a temperature different from that of said second electrode; and a source of electric potential for generating electrical pulses; establishing a temperature difference between said endcone and said second electrode; and flowing a gas from the source of gas between said second electrode and said endcone to establish a thermal gradient therebetween.