Device for generating plasma and for directing an flow of electrons towards a target

摘要

Various embodiments include a device for generating plasma and for directing an flow of electrons towards a specific target; the device comprises a hollow cathode; a main electrode at least partially placed inside the cathode; a resistor, electrically earthing the main electrode; a substantially dielectric tubular element extending through a wall of the cathode; a ring-shaped anode placed around the tubular element and earthed; and an activation group which is electrically connected to the cathode and is able to reduce the electric potential of the cathode of at least 8 kV in about 10 ns.

主权项

1. A device for generating plasma and for directing an flow of electrons towards a target; the device comprising a hollow element which has a cavity and is designed to act as a cathode; a main electrode; a dielectric tubular element, which extends through a wall of the hollow element from the cavity to an external chamber; and an external element which is designed to act as an anode, is externally placed with regard to the hollow element and is exterior to and along the tubular element; the device being characterized in that it comprises further comprising an activation group which is electrically connected to the hollow element and can reduce the electric potential of the hollow element of at least 8 kV in less than 20 ns; the main electrode at least partially placed inside the cavity delimited by the hollow element element; wherein said hollow element is wholly made of a metal material and in that the main electrode extends through a wall of the hollow element, between the main electrode and the hollow element being interposed a ring of dielectric ceramic material, so that, in use, the activation group imposes a difference of potential between the hollow element and the main electrode and, as a consequence, an arc lights between an internal surface of the cavity and the main electrode, the plasma of the arch being particularly dense and expanding inside the tubular element and lighting the discharge of the canalized spark which on its turn, produces a high-energy flow of electrons.