Described herein are techniques for supplying radio frequency (RF) power to a large area plasma source so as to produce a plasma that is substantially uniform in two spatial dimensions. The RF power may be supplied by a power supply system, which may comprise a RF source and a distribution network. The distribution network may comprise a matching network, and a branching circuit that divides the RF power into several branches. Each of the branches of the distribution network may include a phase shifter that shifts the RF signal (which carries the RF power) by an odd multiple of 90, and a blocking filter which blocks any harmonics and other unwanted frequencies which are reflected from a plasma source. The output of the branches may be coupled to feed points that are spatially distributed over the one or more electrodes of the plasma source.

The invention relates to air ionization modules with ionization tubes removably arranged in mounts and to a support comprising the mounts. The air ionization modules are characterized in particular in that as little condensation as possible occurs while enriching an air flow with ions. For this purpose, the support has two mutually spaced plates, a first plate being an assembly plate and a second plate being a circuit board comprising the mounts. Furthermore, a body made of a heat-insulating material is located between the plates such that the second plate is arranged so as to be heat-insulated relative to the first plate. The air ionization module is used to generate ions in an air flow for at least one inner room of a building. Ionized air leads to a separation of multiple odor-causing molecules, an eradication of microorganisms, a degradation of volatile gaseous hydrocarbons, and a reduction of the oxide potential of the air, for example. In this manner, a comfortable, near-natural air is produced in the room supplied with the air.

A system and method for containing plasma and forming a Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) magnetic topology are described in which plasma ions are contained magnetically in stable, non-adiabatic orbits in the FRC. Further, the electrons are contained electrostatically in a deep energy well, created by tuning an externally applied magnetic field. The simultaneous electrostatic confinement of electrons and magnetic confinement of ions avoids anomalous transport and facilitates classical containment of both electrons and ions. In this configuration, ions and electrons may have adequate density and temperature so that upon collisions ions are fused together by nuclear force, thus releasing fusion energy. Moreover, the fusion fuel plasmas that can be used with the present confinement system and method are not limited to neutronic fuels only, but also advantageously include advanced fuels.

Systems and methods for performing edge ramping are described. A system includes a base RF generator for generating a first RF signal. The first RF signal transitions from one state to another. The transition from one state to another of the first RF signal results in a change in plasma impedance. The system further includes a secondary RF generator for generating a second RF signal. The second RF signal transitions from one state to another to stabilize the change in the plasma impedance. The system includes a controller coupled to the secondary RF generator. The controller is used for providing parameter values to the secondary RF generator to perform edge ramping of the second RF signal when the second RF signal transitions from one state to another.

Switching devices are provided. The switching devices include an input electrode, having a main electrode and a trigger electrode, and an output electrode. The main electrode and the trigger electrode are separated from the output electrode by a main gap and a trigger gap, respectively. During operation, the trigger electrode compresses and amplifies a trigger voltage signal causing the trigger electrode to emit a pulse of energy. This pulse of energy form plasma near the trigger electrode, either by arcing across the trigger gap, or by arcing from the trigger electrode to the main electrode. This plasma decreases the breakdown voltage of the main gap. Simultaneously, or near simultaneously, a main voltage signal propagates through the main electrode. The main voltage signal emits a main pulse of energy that arcs across the main gap while the plasma formed by the trigger pulse is still present.

Examples of a plasma acceleration and compression device are described. The device includes a plasma accelerator with a high compression funnel section extending from an inlet of the accelerator and an elongated section connected to the high compression funnel section that can extend from the end of the funnel section to an accelerator's outlet. The funnel section can be a cone with a steep tapering while the elongated section can have a mild, gentle, tapering along its length toward the outlet. The device further includes a power source for providing a current pulse to the accelerator to generate a pushing flux to accelerate and compress a plasma torus throughout the accelerator. The current pulse can be so shaped so that the current pulse behind the plasma torus at the outlet of the elongated section is significantly smaller than the current pulse at the first end of the elongated section while the pressure of the plasma torus at the outlet of the elongated section is greater than the pressure of the plasma torus at the beginning of the elongated section.

A Long Lifetime Cold Cathode Ionization Vacuum Gauge Design with an extended anode electrode having an axially directed tip, a cathode electrode, and a baffle structure. The axially directed tip of the anode electrode can have a rounded exterior with a diameter at least 10% greater than the diameter of the anode electrode.

Provided herein are high energy ion beam generator systems and methods that provide low cost, high performance, robust, consistent, uniform, low gas consumption and high current/high-moderate voltage generation of neutrons and protons. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale generation of neutrons and protons for a wide variety of research, medical, security, and industrial processes.

Provided herein are high energy ion beam generator systems and methods that provide low cost, high performance, robust, consistent, uniform, low gas consumption and high current/high-moderate voltage generation of neutrons and protons. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale generation of neutrons and protons for a wide variety of research, medical, security, and industrial processes.

Provided herein are high energy ion beam generator systems and methods that provide low cost, high performance, robust, consistent, uniform, low gas consumption and high current/high-moderate voltage generation of neutrons and protons. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale generation of neutrons and protons for a wide variety of research, medical, security, and industrial processes.