Donut-Shaped Microwave Antenna for Uniform Large-Area Plasma
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave antennas face challenges in creating uniform large area plasma with axisymmetry due to nonaxisymmetry in plasma distribution and limited power supply, particularly with the Lisitano coil's use of non-cooling coaxial cables.
Innovation Solution
A microwave antenna design featuring a donut-shaped conductive block with multiple slots and permanent magnets, where the magnets are aligned to create a gradient and curvature magnetic field, coupled with a coaxial structure for efficient power transmission and cooling, ensuring uniform plasma distribution and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the Lisitano coil antenna is used to create large area plasma, then the plasma area is increased, but the plasma distribution becomes non-axisymmetric and uniformity is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by strategically positioning permanent magnets at specific angular intervals (e.g., 45 degrees) around the antenna circumference rather than uniform distribution. This asymmetric magnet arrangement creates a magnetic field configuration that generates axisymmetric plasma distribution patterns, resolving the non-axisymmetry problem while maintaining large plasma area coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by varying the magnet positioning and density in different angular regions of the antenna. By optimizing the local magnet arrangement in specific zones, the magnetic field distribution is tailored to achieve uniform plasma generation across the entire large area, addressing the uniformity degradation issue
2Area of stationary object
If the Lisitano coil antenna is used for large area plasma generation, then the plasma coverage is expanded, but the power supply capability is limited due to non-cooling coaxial cable constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a water cooling system with cooling channels integrated into the antenna structure. This hydraulic cooling mechanism enables the antenna to dissipate heat effectively, allowing the use of higher power levels and cooling coaxial cables, thereby overcoming the power supply limitations of non-cooled systems while maintaining large plasma coverage area
3Manufacturing precision
If permanent magnets are directly installed on the antenna, then energetic electrons are distributed evenly throughout the antenna, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna structure into modular segments with discrete permanent magnets positioned at specific locations. This segmentation allows for systematic electron distribution control while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The magnets are arranged in repeating patterns around the antenna circumference, achieving uniform electron distribution without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes key parameters such as magnet strength, positioning angles, and spacing to achieve uniform electron distribution. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves even electron distribution throughout the antenna volume while minimizing structural complexity through standardized magnet configurations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design achieves uniform axisymmetric plasma distribution across a large area by governing the movement of energetic electrons with the magnetic field, effectively ionizing neutral particles and providing a reliable, efficient plasma source.
Implementation Method 1
multiple permanent magnets are inserted into the notches
Implementation Method 2
ECR (Electronic Cyclotron Resonance) plasma source is very effective for the operation and resonance range
Implementation Method 3
the ionized plasma by said energetic electrons creates the plasma with uniform axisymmetry
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the new structure antenna to create the uniform large area plasma using microwave. The microwave antenna to create the plasma of present invention comprises the waveguide, main body of antenna and the coaxial structure connecting part which connects said waveguide and said main body of antenna electrically, the main body of antenna comprises the conductive block in donut shape forming multiple slots, and notches are formed between the multiple slots of the conductive block and multiple permanent magnets are inserted into the notches. The multiple slots can be formed by passing through the inside and outside of the conductive block and the multiple slots can be formed with repetitive square wave pattern.