Plasma Ion Source Electrode Layout for Low-Voltage Stable Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-radioactive ion sources face challenges in achieving efficient power usage, stable plasma generation, and long electrode life, while also requiring higher voltages that increase power consumption and generate undesirable gases.
Innovation Solution
A non-radioactive plasma ion source device with a design that includes planar electrodes, a meshed member, and insulated wires touching the meshed member at multiple points, which reduces power requirements and minimizes the production of undesirable gases by applying a variable voltage in a pulsating fashion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If insulated crossed wires design is used to generate plasma, then ionization efficiency is improved, but electrode operational lifetime is reduced and replacement frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode structure into multiple insulated wires arranged in a grid pattern rather than using a single crossed wire design. This segmentation distributes the plasma generation across multiple contact points with the meshed member, preventing excessive wear at any single location and thereby extending electrode operational lifetime while maintaining ionization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional crossed wire configuration to a three-dimensional grid structure with multiple insulated wires extending in both x and y directions. This dimensional expansion increases the number of plasma contact points with the meshed member, improving ionization efficiency while distributing thermal and mechanical stress across more points, thus extending electrode life.
2Reliability
If two electrodes separated by insulators with spacers are used to form a gap, then plasma generation is achieved, but voltage requirement increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spacers that create large gaps between electrodes in conventional designs. By eliminating these spacers and allowing the insulated wires to directly contact the meshed member, the effective gap distance is reduced to minimal values, thereby reducing the voltage and power required to sustain plasma generation while maintaining reliable ion production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the critical parameter of electrode gap distance from millimeter-scale separations (with spacers) to micrometer-scale contact distances (direct wire-to-mesh contact). This parameter change dramatically reduces the breakdown voltage requirement and power consumption while ensuring stable plasma generation through direct contact geometry.
3Reliability
If higher voltage is applied to sustain plasma generation, then plasma generation is maintained, but temperature increases and undesirable gases are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed voltage application rather than continuous high voltage. The pulsed operation allows plasma to be ignited and maintained with lower peak voltages, reducing average power input and plasma temperature. This periodic action prevents excessive thermal buildup that would otherwise generate undesirable gases like nitrogen oxides and ozone while maintaining stable ion production during pulse intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamically adjustable voltage parameters including pulse width, frequency, and amplitude modulation. By dynamically optimizing these parameters, the system maintains plasma stability at lower temperatures, preventing the formation of harmful gases that result from sustained high-temperature plasma operation in conventional static voltage systems.
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 solution enhances power efficiency, increases plasma volume, improves electrode longevity, and reduces the production of undesirable gases, resulting in a reliable and efficient ion source capable of generating both positive and negative ions.
Implementation Method 1
generate a plasma around the contact area of the crossed wires
Implementation Method 2
when subjected to high voltage, generate a plasma
Implementation Method 3
These analyte ions are then directed by an electric field
Implementation Method 4
directed by an electric field and gas stream
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a non-radioactive homogenous plasma ion source that is power efficient. The non-radioactive plasma ion source comprises an ion source, an ion source housing for retaining the ion source, a gas inlet chamber having a gas conduit connectable to a gas source, at least one planar electrode for forming an electric field, a mounting head for mounting the non-radioactive plasma ion source device to an external device, and a passageway extending across a longitudinal axis of the non-radioactive plasma ion source device for allowing gas to flow therethrough. The gas inlet chamber has an improved design in that the gas inlet chamber comprises one or more openings in a body of the gas inlet chamber, the one or more openings being spaced such that the gas from the gas source is injected uniformly into the passageway.