Plasma Stabilization via Optical Radiation in Ionization Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage induced plasma stability is erratic and ion density is lower than usual after a certain period of inactivity, affecting X-ray generator performance and laser output stability due to insufficient electrical charges.
Innovation Solution
Subjecting the plasma to optical radiation upon ignition in an ionization chamber with high voltage wires and a gas, using light with wavelengths between 10 and 1100 nanometers and radiation energy from 1 mW to 5000 mW to stabilize the plasma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the high voltage applied to the wires is increased to maintain plasma stability after inactivity, then plasma stability is improved, but the stress on the high voltage wires increases and failure risk increases due to arcing
Solution Approach 1:
Optical radiation serves as an intermediary substance that mediates the plasma ignition process. By introducing photons into the ionization chamber before and during the high voltage pulse, the optical radiation facilitates easier plasma formation, allowing the use of lower high voltage pulses that reduce stress on the wires while maintaining plasma stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple pulses with lower voltage are applied subsequently to a first high voltage pulse to maintain plasma, then plasma stability is improved, but the complexity of the ignition sequence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical radiation is applied continuously or in a sustained manner during the plasma ignition and maintenance phase, rather than using discrete multiple voltage pulses. This continuous optical pre-ionization maintains the plasma in a stable state without requiring complex multi-stage ignition sequences.
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
This method suppresses plasma instability, maintaining stable ion density and improving the performance of X-ray generators and laser apparatus by ensuring sufficient electrical charges for plasma maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the gas to a high voltage thereby igniting the gas to form the plasma
Implementation Method 2
upon ignition the plasma is subjected to an amount of light
Data Source
AI summary
A method for stabilizing a plasma is disclosed. The method includes (a) providing in an ionization chamber a number of high voltage wires and a gas suitable for forming a plasma, and (b) exposing the gas to a high voltage thereby igniting the gas to form the plasma. Upon ignition, the plasma is subjected to an amount of light. A use of the method to generate X-rays is also disclosed. The invention is further directed to an ionization chamber including (a) a gas suitable for forming a plasma, and (b) a number of high voltage wires for exposing the gas to a high voltage thereby igniting the gas to form the plasma. The ionization chamber includes a device for subjecting the plasma upon ignition to an amount of light. The invention relates to an X-ray generator including such ionization chamber and to a laser apparatus including such X-ray generator.