An ignition apparatus is provided which ignites a mixture of air and fuel gas by plasma to generate an initial flame. The apparatus includes: a spark plug that includes an inner conductor, a cylindrical outer conductor that holds the inner conductor thereinside, and a dielectric that is provided between the inner conductor and the outer conductor, and that generates plasma in a plasma formation space between the inner conductor and the outer conductor; an electromagnetic wave power supply that generates an electromagnetic wave to apply electromagnetic wave power to the spark plug; an evaluation section that evaluates a state of formation of the plasma; a determination section that determines a matching object of the electromagnetic wave based on an evaluation result by the evaluation section; and a coupled state control section that controls a matching condition of the electromagnetic wave so that the electromagnetic wave matches the matching object.

The present application relates to a plasma atomization process and apparatus for producing metallic powders from at least one wire/rod feedstock. In the process, an electric arc is applied to the at least one wire/rod feedstock to melt the same. A plasma torch is employed to generate a supersonic plasma stream at an apex at which the electric arc is transferred to the at least one wire/rod feedstock to atomize the molten wire/rod feedstock into particles. A downstream cooling chamber solidifies the particles into the metallic powders. An anti-satellite diffuser is employed to prevent recirculation of the powders in order to avoid satellite formation. In an apparatus where two wires are fed, one wire serves as an anode, and the other as a cathode.

The present application relates to a plasma atomization process and apparatus for producing metallic powders from at least one wire/rod feedstock. In the process, an electric arc is applied to the at least one wire/rod feedstock to melt the same. A plasma torch is employed to generate a supersonic plasma stream at an apex at which the electric arc is transferred to the at least one wire/rod feedstock to atomize the molten wire/rod feedstock into particles. A downstream cooling chamber solidifies the particles into the metallic powders. An anti-satellite diffuser is employed to prevent recirculation of the powders in order to avoid satellite formation. In an apparatus where two wires are fed, one wire serves as an anode, and the other as a cathode.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a spark gap device that includes a first electrode having a first surface and a second electrode having a second surface offset from and facing the first surface. The spark gap device also includes a light source configured to emit light toward at least the first surface such that photons emitted by the light source when the spark gap is operated are incident on the first surface and cause electron emission from the first surface. The light source includes a discharge probe having a third electrode sealed in a tube filled with an inert gas. The spark gap device may not include a radioactive component.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a spark gap device that includes a first electrode having a first surface and a second electrode having a second surface offset from and facing the first surface. The spark gap device also includes a light source configured to emit light toward at least the first surface such that photons emitted by the light source when the spark gap is operated are incident on the first surface and cause electron emission from the first surface. The light source includes a discharge probe having a third electrode sealed in a tube filled with an inert gas. The spark gap device may not include a radioactive component.

The present invention relates to highly pure high performance polycrystalline diamond monolith, a method for manufacturing a single-crystal diamond, and uses thereof.

The present invention relates to highly pure high performance polycrystalline diamond monolith, a method for manufacturing a single-crystal diamond, and uses thereof.

An engine that uses detonation for generating energy includes a housing; an inlet configured to inject a fuel mixture into an ignition region of the housing, the inlet being attached to the housing; an ignitor located in the ignition region and configured to ignite the fuel mixture; a deflagration to detonation, DDT, region in fluid communication and downstream from the ignition region; a pair of electrodes located in the DDT region and configured to apply nanosecond repetitive voltage pulses to the DDT region; and a detonation region, within the housing, in fluid communication and downstream from the DDT region. The nanosecond repetitive voltage pulses generate a non-thermal plasma that transition a combustion front propagation through the housing from a deflagration mode to a detonation mode.

An engine that uses detonation for generating energy includes a housing; an inlet configured to inject a fuel mixture into an ignition region of the housing, the inlet being attached to the housing; an ignitor located in the ignition region and configured to ignite the fuel mixture; a deflagration to detonation, DDT, region in fluid communication and downstream from the ignition region; a pair of electrodes located in the DDT region and configured to apply nanosecond repetitive voltage pulses to the DDT region; and a detonation region, within the housing, in fluid communication and downstream from the DDT region. The nanosecond repetitive voltage pulses generate a non-thermal plasma that transition a combustion front propagation through the housing from a deflagration mode to a detonation mode.

A method, system and apparatus for plasma blasting comprises a solid object having a borehole, a blast probe comprising a high voltage electrode and a ground electrode separated by a dielectric separator, wherein the high voltage electrode and the dielectric separator constitute an adjustable probe tip, and an adjustment unit coupled to the adjustable probe tip, wherein the adjustment unit is configured to selectively extend or retract the adjustable probe tip relative to the ground electrode and a blasting media, wherein at least a portion of the high voltage electrode and the ground electrode are submerged in the blast media. The blasting media comprises water. The adjustable tip permits fine-tuning of the blast. The blast can be used to fracture solids and/or to create a shockwave to mapping underground structures.