Method and apparatus for inductive amplification of ion beam energy
First Claim
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1. A method for producing accelerated charged particles, the method comprising:
- providing a plasma discharge operating in a deflagration mode and having a gas flow that defines upstream and downstream directions; and
inductively coupling energy to charged particles of the plasma discharge to provide accelerated charged particles as an output;
wherein the inductively coupling energy to charged particles is provided at least in part by formation of a current loop having an inductively amplified circulating current in or passing through part of the plasma discharge.
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Abstract
Accelerated charged particles are provided by inductive amplification of particle energy in connection with a deflagration-mode plasma discharge. The deflagration mode discharge tends to increase particle energy relative to other operating modes. Inductive amplification of particle energy further increases output particle velocity. Inductive amplification can occur by formation of a current loop in the plasma discharge, and/or by a sudden increase in inductance due to collapse of the current distribution of the plasma discharge. Applications include particle therapy and production of radio-isotopes.
25 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for producing accelerated charged particles, the method comprising:
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providing a plasma discharge operating in a deflagration mode and having a gas flow that defines upstream and downstream directions; and inductively coupling energy to charged particles of the plasma discharge to provide accelerated charged particles as an output; wherein the inductively coupling energy to charged particles is provided at least in part by formation of a current loop having an inductively amplified circulating current in or passing through part of the plasma discharge. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for producing accelerated charged particles, the method comprising:
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providing a plasma discharge operating in a deflagration mode and having a gas flow that defines upstream and downstream directions; and inductively coupling energy to charged particles of the plasma discharge to provide accelerated charged particles as an output; wherein the inductively coupling energy to charged particles is provided at least in part by collapse of a current distribution of the plasma discharge from a first configuration to a second configuration having greater self-inductance than the first configuration. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. Apparatus for producing accelerated charged particles, the apparatus comprising:
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a plasma discharge source capable of operating in a deflagration mode and having a gas flow that defines upstream and downstream directions; and an inductive coupling subsystem capable of inductively coupling energy to charged particles of the plasma discharge to provide accelerated charged particles as an output; wherein an electrode length of the plasma discharge source is within about 20% of a length of the plasma discharge when inductive coupling of energy to charged particles of the plasma discharge occurs. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. Apparatus for producing accelerated charged particles, the apparatus comprising:
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a plasma discharge source capable of operating in a deflagration mode and having a gas flow that defines upstream and downstream directions; and an inductive coupling subsystem capable of inductively coupling energy to charged particles of the plasma discharge to provide accelerated charged particles as an output; wherein the apparatus has a circuit inductance of 50 nH or less, and includes electrodes for the plasma discharge having inductance per unit length of 450 nH/m or more.
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17. Apparatus for radio-isotope production including a plasma source of accelerated charged particles capable of operating in a deflagration mode to provide a particle beam having an ion beam average current of 50 μ
- A or more, where particles contributing to the ion beam average current have energy between 300 keV and 5 MeV.
Specification