Adjustable Mass Resolving Aperture

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to a mass resolving aperture that may be used in an ion implantation system that selectively exclude ion species based on charge to mass ratio (and/or mass to charge ratio) that are not desired for implantation, in an ion beam assembly. Embodiments of the invention relate to a mass resolving aperture that is segmented, adjustable, and/or presents a curved surface to the oncoming ion species that will strike the aperture. Embodiments of the invention also relate to the filtering of a flow of charged particles through a closed plasma channel (CPC) superconductor, or boson energy transmission system.

Claims

1. An ion implantation system, comprising: an ion source configured to generate an ion beam having a plurality of ions that propagate along a beam line; a mass analyzer configured to generate a magnetic field that bends a trajectory of each of the ions within the ion beam such that ions having a lower mass to charge ratio are bent more than ions having a higher mass to charge ratio, wherein the trajectory of each of the ions lies in a corresponding plane; a mass resolving aperture (MRA), wherein the MRA has an opening; wherein the MRA is positioned such that a first portion of the ions in the ion beam as the ion beam approaches the MRA pass through the opening and are in the ion beam after the ion beam exits the MRA and the MRA alters a motion of a second portion of the ions in the ion beam as the ion beam approaches the MRA such that the second portion of the ions are not in the ion beam after the ion beam exits the MRA, wherein a height of the opening, is adjustable, wherein the height is measured in a direction perpendicular to the plane, wherein adjusting the height of the opening alters which ions are in the first portion of the ions.

2. The ion implantation system according to claim 1, wherein a width of the opening in adjustable, wherein the width is measured in a direction lying in the plane, wherein adjusting the width of the opening alters which ions are in the first portion of the ions.

3. The ion implantation system according to claim 2, wherein the MRA comprises: four sides, wherein at least one side is linearly movable, wherein linearly moving one of more of the at least one linearly movable sides adjusts the height and/or the width.

4. The ion implantation system according to claim 3, wherein a first side of the at least one side is linearly movable in a direction parallel with the direction the width is measured in, wherein linearly moving the first side in the direction parallel with the direction the width is measured in adjusts the width of the opening.

5. The ion implantation system according to claim 3, wherein a first side of the at least one side is linearly movable in a direction parallel with the direction the height is measured in, wherein linearly moving the first side in the direction parallel with the direction the height is measured in adjusts the height of the opening.

6. The ion implantation system according to claim 3, wherein each of the four sides of the at least one side is linearly movable in a direction parallel with the direction the height is measured in and linearly movable in a direction parallel with the direction the height is measured in.

7. The ion implantation system according to claim 6, wherein any opening size within an opening size operating range can be achieved by linearly moving at least two of the four sides in the direction parallel with the direction the width is measured in and/or in the direction parallel with the direction the height is measured in adjusts the height of the opening.

8. The ion implantation system according to claim 6, wherein for a certain opening size, any opening location within an opening location operating range for the certain size can be achieved by linearly moving at least two of the four sides in the direction parallel with the direction the width is measured in and/or in the direction parallel with the direction the height is measured in adjusts the height of the opening.

9. The ion implantation system according to claim 7, wherein for a certain opening size, any opening location within an opening location operating range for the certain size can be achieved by linearly moving at least two of the four sides in the direction parallel with the direction the width is measured in and/or in the direction parallel with the direction the height is measured in adjusts the height of the opening.

10. The ion implantation system according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of an edge of at least one side incorporates a fin, wherein the fin has a front surface and a rear surface, wherein a normal to the front surface has a component facing the ion beam as the ion beam approaches the MRA and a normal to the rear surface has a component facing the ion beam as the ion beam exits the MRA, wherein the fin has a leading portion on the front surface that has a normal that is parallel to the direction of the beam path, wherein the front surface curves away from the leading portion in a direction away from the opening to form an outer convex section of the front surface adjacent the leading portion and an outer concave section of the front surface adjacent the convex section of the front surface.

11. The ion implantation system according to claim 10, wherein the rear surface curves away from the leading portion in a direction toward the opening to form an inner convex section of the rear surface adjacent the leading portion.

12. The ion implantation system according to claim 11, wherein each of the four sides has a corresponding fin along a length of a corresponding edge.

13. The ion implantation system according to claim 1, wherein a path position of the opening in adjustable, wherein the path position is measured in a direction along the beam path, wherein adjusting the path position of the opening alters which ions are in the first portion of the ions.

14. The ion implantation system according to claim 2, wherein a path position of the opening in adjustable, wherein the path position is measured in a direction along the beam path, wherein adjusting the path position of the opening alters which ions are in the first portion of the ions.

15. The ion implantation system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ions comprises isotopes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0029] FIG. 1A is reproduced from U.S. Pat. No. 8,637,838 B2 and is used as an example of an ion implantation system that can provide subsystems for embodiments of the subject invention and/or can be modified in accordance with embodiments of the subject invention.

[0030] FIG. 1B is reproduced from U.S. Pat. No. 8,368,033 and is used as an example of a closed plasma channel apparatus that can provide subsystems for embodiments of the subject invention and/or can be modified in accordance with embodiments of the subject invention.

[0031] FIG. 2 is reproduced from U.S. Pat. No. 7,399,980 B2 and is prior art of a mass resolving aperture that can provide subsystems for embodiments of the subject invention and/or can be modified in accordance with embodiments of the subject invention.

[0032] FIG. 3A is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing a mass resolving aperture with sliding sides that allow the aperture to be moved incrementally to any height or width compared to the ion beam envelope.

[0033] FIG. 3B shows the mass resolving aperture of FIG. 3A fully open.

[0034] FIG. 3C shows the mass resolving aperture of FIG. 3A fully closed.

[0035] FIG. 4A shows a specific embodiment of the subject invention, incorporating a screw drive and two pneumatic drives.

[0036] FIG. 4B shows a specific embodiment of the subject invention incorporating a screw drive and a gear.

[0037] FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view showing a fin in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 5B illustrates a curved edge that may be used as the inside edge of the mass resolving aperture.

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a MRA incorporating a curved inside edge, together with sliding sides.

[0040] FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal cross-section of an embodiment incorporating the curved edge of FIG. 5A and/or FIG. 5B.

[0041] FIG. 8A shows a cross section of a curved surface, or fin, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 8B shows a cross section of a curved surface, or fin, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0043] FIG. 8C shows a cross section of a curved surface, or fin, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0044] At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawings figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. Components are not drawn to scale or proportion. As used in the following description, the terms horizontal and vertical simply refer to the orientation of an object relative to level ground, and the terms left, right, top and bottom, up and down, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., rightwardly, upwardly, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation as appropriate.

[0045] FIG. 1A, which is FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,637,838 reproduced here as existing art, illustrates a conventional ion implantation system. Conventional ion implantation systems typically have a mass resolving aperture 314. FIG. 1A shows a system incorporating MRA. Embodiments of the subject invention pertain to the system of FIG. 1A, subsystems shown in FIG. 1A and embodiments described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,637,838 regarding the system, and subsystems, shown in FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,637,838 and modifications thereto described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,637,838, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, which incorporate one or more MRA in accordance with one of the embodiments of the MRA described herein at one or more positions of the ion path along the length of the ion path. The present invention will work with other systems having a mass resolving aperture.

[0046] With respect to an embodiment of the subject invention, referring to FIG. 1A, the workpiece 335, for example a silicon wafer, is implanted by an ion beam at the end station 336 of the system. The ion beam 309 is generated at the terminal 307. The ion beam is directed along a path in the beam line assembly 308 to the end station 336.

[0047] The system can be evacuated by pumps (not shown) to mitigate ion beam collisions with other particles. The ion source 302 can be an ionized gas of a dopant material (not shown) ionized within a generation chamber 304. The method of ionization is not shown but may be, for example, hot cathode, RF, microwave, electron bean injection, or other mechanism that would excite free electrons sufficient to collide with the dopant gas molecules and generate ions. The ions move through slit 303 and are extracted by the ion extraction assembly 305.

[0048] The extraction assembly 305 is biased to extract the ions at a relatively high energy. Generally, systems transfer the beam throughout the system at a relatively high energy, so the particles have sufficient momentum to overcome repulsive forces that can lead to beam blow up. Then, before impact with the workpiece 335, there are deceleration 327 stages, which may include electrode assemblies or other devices to decelerate the ions so that they have shallow impacts with the wafer for small junctions or ultra-shallow junctions (USJ). Note, although the deceleration stage 327 is shown as electrode plates 328 and 330 that are parallel to the ion beam, other deceleration stages can utilize electrodes that are perpendicular to the beam path, having apertures through which the beam travels.

[0049] Upon extraction, the ion beam 309 passes from the terminal 307 to the beamline assembly 308. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the mass analyzer 310 is formed at about ninety degree angle and presents a magnetic field that bends the beam 309. The magnets are not shown is this diagram. The rest of the beam line assembly includes the beam guide 317, a mass analyzer 310, a scanning system (320, 319, 122), electric element 339, and a parallelizer 329.

[0050] FIG. 1B, which is FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,368,033 reproduced here as existing art, illustrates a closed plasma channel superconductor, or as a boson energy transmission apparatus. Embodiments of the subject invention can incorporate one or more fins or protrusions having a curved surface protruding from the inside surface of wall 14 of the ionization vessel 12, such that such fin or fins impact the motion of the ion beam and/or remove ions from the ion beam.

[0051] FIG. 2, which is FIG. 4 of U.S. Pat. No. 7,399,980 reproduced here as existing art, shows an example of a prior art mass resolving aperture. Embodiments of the subject MRA can involve modification of the MRA of FIG. 2 to incorporate a fin positioned proximate the aperture through which the ion beam passes. Such a fin can have a leading portion closest to the oncoming ion beam and, in specific embodiments, a surface that curves from the leading portion to form a convex surface adjacent to the leading portion to deflect ions halting such convex portion out of the ion beam. Such a fin can also have two or more segments (e.g., each segment of the volume of the fin) that have electric charge and/or magnetic properties. Such fins can be located on along a portion of or the entire edge of the sides establishing the width of the ion beam, and/or along portions or all of edges of the top and bottom sides establishing the height of the ion beam. Embodiments of such a plate can have one, two, three or more openings, each having desired dimensions, such as height and width. Embodiments of a modification of the resolving aperture assembly 400 can have an assembly arm 402 that holds resolving plate 404 that has one or more opening (1, 2, 3, 4 . . . n), such as three resolving apertures 406, 408, and 410. Embodiments can allow the assembly to be moved, e.g., via actuators, so the selected aperture corresponds to a selected beam envelope and/or selective mass resolution. The assembly can also move to accommodate varied beam paths corresponding to a range of possible angle adjustments of the mass analyzer, upstream (not shown). Because the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions of aperture openings are alongside during operation, some materials or portions of the beam may pass through one of the non-selected apertures.

[0052] FIG. 3A shows an embodiment of a mass resolving aperture assembly 30. The aperture opening position in FIG. 3A generally corresponds to the aperture opening 410 shown in FIG. 2 (in the plane of the page). The assembly includes sides 31, 32, 33, and 34, where the sides slide in the X and Y directions to create a variety of opening sizes and positions. The sides are shown having the same width and having a length that does not extend far enough back from the edge of the side to block the portion of the opening the side was blocking in FIG. 3A once the sides are moved to the position shown in FIG. 3C, which has been done for convenience of drawing such that a range of motion of the sides can be emphasized. A variety of mechanisms, such as gears, tracks, linkages, actuators, and motors, can be used to control the movement of the sides. The sides 31, 32, 33, and 34 slide along aperture inside edges 41, 42, 43 and 44, respectively. The aperture sides 31-34 can slide relative to a back plate having an opening that allows the aperture opening to be adjusted to any opening size within the operating range of sides 31-34.

[0053] FIG. 3B shows the sides 31-34 moved to a maximum opening aperture within the operating range and can correspond to the size and location of the opening of a back plate. Such a back plate can be used as a mount for the interconnection of the sides to the structure for moving the sides. This opening can exceed the beam envelope emerging from the mass analyzer 310 such that the MRA can be removed from the beam path by opening the sides to this maximum opening. The use of the maximum opening prior to implantation can be useful for beam diagnostics downstream of the mass resolving aperture. This maximum opening setting could also be used for certain cleaning techniques where an ion beam or other gases are proliferated through the system downstream of the mass resolving plate.

[0054] FIG. 3C shows sides 31-34 moved, so the aperture is fully closed. This setting blocks the ion beam and can be used for a beam dump where the magnetic field is still operable in the mass analyzer 310. This setting could also be used for certain cleaning techniques where the ion beam or other gases are proliferating through the system, upstream and including the mass resolution aperture. As can be seen in FIG. 3C, for an embodiment having all four sides movable in the X and Y directions, and optionally the Z direction, a variety of locations for the four sides can create a closed position. In an embodiment, the fully closed position completely blocks the ion-beam.

[0055] Other positions of the sides can be selected. Any position for the aperture opening, e.g., for the location of a center of the opening or for the corners of the opening, within the operating range can be selected. Also, the assembly 30 with back plate, the assembly 30 without the back plate, and/or the assembly, back plate and other structure, can be moved, optionally, from side to side (X axis), up or down (Y axis), forward or back (Z axis), within the range of operation, to adjust the opening relative to the ion beam 309.

[0056] The mass resolving aperture assembly 30 can be operatively coupled to power supplies 340, 339. A control system 337 can be used to control, adjust, and/or communicate with the ion source 302, the mass analyzer 313, the mass resolving aperture assembly 30, the scanning element 322, the parallelizer 329, and the beam profiling system 331 and/or other operable aspect of the device. Beam diagnosis system 338 can be connected to the control system 337 to allow for iterative changes within the system to manage the beam characteristics before, during, and/or after the implantation process. So that, for example, the control system 337 may set the mass resolving aperture sides 31-34 at the full open aperture FIG. 3B, prior to rotating the workpiece 335 into the system end station 336, so that, for example, beam diagnosis is completed and parameters are set. Once the beam parameters are set, control system 337 can move sides 31-34 to any desired aperture opening matching the desired parameters in order to, for example, start, modify, and/or terminate the implantation process. Then, during the implantation process, for example, the control system 337 may use data from the beam diagnosis 338 system to move the mass resolving aperture assembly 30 or sides 31-34 incrementally, to manage and/or optimize the beam characteristics. After the implantation process or during the time that a new workpiece (not shown) is rotated into the end station 336, for example, the control system 337 could move sides 31-34 into the fully closed position FIG. 3C, for cleaning processes or other purposes. The control system 337 would be able to move sides 31-34 to the full closed position, FIG. 3C for a beam dump, while the magnetic fields in the mass analyzer are operative. Functions of the mass resolving aperture assembly 30 can be performed iteratively, in real time. Embodiments of the subject MRA can modify a conventional mass resolving aperture, an example of which is shown in FIG. 2, by incorporating curved inside edges, e.g., fins, on one or more sides, or sections of the side, of each opening or for a subset of the openings. Curved surfaces, as illustrated and described herein, may be used for the aperture inside edges, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Curved surfaces, as herein described, may be used as the inside edge for any convention mass resolving aperture, including prior art, for example as illustrated in FIG. 2. As the ion beam 309 reaches the mass resolving aperture assembly (314 in prior art system shown in FIG. 2), it is still traveling at relatively high energy to mitigate the propensity for space charge blow up. Deceleration stages 327 are downstream from the aperture, so the excluded ion species arc hitting the leading edge of the mass resolving aperture at relatively high velocities with a tendency to sputter contaminants, including preexisting residue, into the ion beam; said contaminants may be entrained into the beam and find their way to the workpiece 335. This is particularly evident in high beam current, cluster molecule of heavier mass, multiple ion source and ion sources with narrow range of mass dispersion. Curved surfaces have the advantage over other surfaces of presenting less surface to strike at the point of exclusion and the excluded ion species do not impact a curved surface flush and when they do deflect, the continuing ion beam has already moved downstream, so the possibility of having contaminates from the excluded ion species being entrained to contaminate the workpiece is reduced. The residue from the excluded ion species may build up on the mass resolving aperture, during the implantation run time, but it is well away from the aperture opening and behind the curved edge of the mass resolving aperture. Curved surfaces, as herein described, could be used on other surfaces within the system, where excluded ion species, excluded neutrally charged or negatively charged particles or contaminants from upstream system part wear down, strike a surface. Excluding contaminants from reentering the production line anywhere upstream from the workpiece 335, in the manner herein disclosed, will contribute to the quality and efficiency of production.

[0057] FIG. 5B shows a rectangle shaped mass resolving aperture, with a single aperture opening, rather than the ring shape shown in FIG. 5A. Along a side wall 14 within new surface 40 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Although FIGS. 5A and 5B show a side wall 14, this side wall can be thickened such that the side wall becomes a plate, such as shown in FIG. 2, and the Figure then represents a fin extending from the plate. Fin detail 200 is shown in both FIGS. 5A and 5A. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a conventional mass resolving aperture is modified to incorporate a curved edge, as herein disclosed, instead of a flat or flush edge and instead of a 90 edge from front to back (i.e., parallel to Z-axis). Modification of any conventional mass resolving aperture, as herein disclosed, to have a curved surface on the aperture's inside edge facing the incoming ion beam 309 will mitigate sputtering of incorrect ion species and deposit residue, contaminants, behind the curve which, otherwise, may be entrained in the beam and contaminate the workpiece 335. During the run, the residue build up, is contained downstream from the aperture opening, further mitigating against residue coming loose and finding its way into beam.

[0058] FIGS. 8A and 8B show embodiments of fins that can be incorporated with an MRA. Although surface 40 of sidewall 14 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B as extending past the front surface (facing an oncoming beam) and extending past the back surface (facing away from oncoming beam), again the sidewall surface 40 can be thickened to perform as a plate, and sidewall surface 40 can extend from the front surface to beyond the back surface, from the from surface to the back surface, or extend in any other desired orientation to the front and back surfaces. Region 205 can have a positive, negative, or neutral charge. Region 210 can have a positive, negative, or neutral charge, as can region 215. The charged regions can be used to exclude charged ion species of incorrect mass. Embodiments can be segmented in different manners, including dimensions, number of regions, and/or shapes of the regions. As may be appreciated, any number of segments can be employed for beneficial reasons. For sake of simplicity, in this embodiment, three segments are shown 205, 210 and 215. Also, as may be appreciated, there are any number of curved surfaces that may be employed for beneficial reasons. As used here, this shape is not intended to be a limiting depiction, just one used for the sake of simplicity. The segments 205, 210 and 215 preferably, may be insulated electrically from each other and isolated magnetically as well, so that each may carry a different charge/field negative or positive, that is electrostatically beneficial and/or magnetically beneficial, or no charge at all. As shown in FIG. 8B, segment 205 is negatively charge/field, segment 210 is positively charged, and segment 215 has no charge, by way of example.

[0059] In reference to the ion beam 309, as ion beam 309 reaches segment 215, segment 215 has no charge, segment 205 has enough negative charge/field to attract positive ion species that are close to the desired charge to mass ratio, but not quite in the parameters, and those ion species move in the direction of segment 205 and tend to stick, with reduced sputtering because of the attractive negative charge/field. In this same example, for the positive ion species that strike the surface of segment 215, the exclusion point of the aperture, they are deflected out of the ion beam because of the curved surface. Continuing with this example, the ion beam, now passing segment 215, at this point, as will be further disclosed, segment 210 may influence the ion beam 309, beneficially, by having the capability to impart a positive charge/field, a negative charge/field or no charge. It may be appreciated, that each segment of the mass resolving aperture, as presently disclosed, may be utilized independently and in a variety of different combinations. For example, if negative ion species were extracted instead of positive ion species, then the segment charges, of the mass resolving aperture, as herein disclosed, would be changed to correspond to the implant parameters of negative ion implantation. Or for example, if boron hydride cluster ions or germanium ion species are used, the mass resolving aperture, as herein disclosed, offers the control system and the controller, tunable options, beneficial to production.

[0060] Although not illustrated in a figure, a MRA having a 90 edge around the opening can be segmented into charge/magnet field segments. In a specific embodiment, a segment of face surface of the aperture, proximate the opening, but sufficiently away from the opening to not influence ions that should pass through the opening can have an electric charge that attracts the ions that should be excluded and that are likely to hit the edge and possibly get deflected back into the beam.

[0061] A variety of fin shapes can be used with respect to various embodiments. In a specific embodiment, a fin having a curved surface that starts at the edge and cures into the ion beam can be used.

[0062] Although FIGS. 4A and 4B show a movable side on the bottom of the figure and three sides that can be fixed together on the top, embodiments in accordance with the teaching of FIGS. 4A and 4B can be used for moving a side in a vertical direction, or moving a side in a horizontal direction. The three sides can be fixed together and move as a unit, or a base that all four sides are connected to can be moved. Moving of the unit and the individual side can be useful for adjusting the center of the opening with respect to the ion beam, when the fourth side is moved to adjust the height, or adjust the width, of the ion beam.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the use of independently movable sides of the mass resolving aperture assembly 30, where the fin surfaces, as previously describe in FIGS. 5A-B and 8A-C, are shown as the leading edge of the sliding sides 31-34, replacing 41-44 with fin edges 61-64, respectively. In this exemplary embodiment, the leading edges of the adjustable mass resolving plate assemble 30, described in FIGS. 3A-C are fin edges 61-64. The operating range of movement for the mass resolving aperture 30 is side to side on the X axis, in and out on Z axis, up and down on the Y axis within the operating space. A further embodiment only allows motion in the X and Y direction. The movements of mass resolving aperture 30 along the X, Y and Z axis are controlled by the control system 337 and/or the controller, in operable communication with the beam diagnosis center 155. Sliding sides 31-34, with fin edges 61-64, in operable communication with control system 337 and/or controller, receiving operable data from beam diagnosis system 338, have the capability to be incrementally moved from fully open, FIG. 3B, to fully closed, FIG. 3C or any opening in between fully open and fully closed, in real time.

[0064] Embodiments of the subject invention can utilize a method and apparatus for the separation of ions by mass using permanent magnets to produce a uniform magnetic field within a cavity. This is achieved by the creation of a preferably low density plasma within a confined space via photoionization of a plasma precursor gas or vapor under vacuum. Segregation by mass, or mass-to-charge ratio, occurs because ions with greater mass, or higher mass-to-charge ratio, are not as influenced by the magnetic field and tend to separate from the lighter ions, or ions with a lower mass-to-charge ratio.

[0065] With reference first being made to FIG. 1B, there is illustrated a side sectional schematic view of the subject closed plasma channel apparatus (hereinafter sometimes also referred to more simply as the subject apparatus), designated generally by reference numeral 10. A first primary component of apparatus 10 is an ionization chamber 12 (also referred to herein in some embodiments as a plasma separation chamber) comprising an ionization vessel (also referred to herein in some embodiments as a plasma separation vessel) having an ionization space (also referred to herein in some embodiments as a plasma separation space). In a preferred embodiment, ionization chamber 12 is comprised of a semi-flexible, elongated vacuum conduit having a first end portion 12A and second end portion 12B, the conduit comprising a hollow cylindrical wall 14 having a longitudinal axis 16 and defining a transmission space 18 for containing a plasma precursor gas or vapor 100 supplied via inlet 20 from storage container 22. The terms chamber and conduit are hereinafter used interchangeably unless specifically distinguished. A vacuum system 24 is operably attached to conduit 12 for the evacuation of air from transmission space 18 through outlet 26 disposed through wall 14. Conduit 12 may be constructed of a plurality of separate parts which are coupled together to define transmission space 18, or may be of unibody construction. The cross-sectional shape of conduit 12 and transmission space 14 may be round, oval, polygonal or otherwise and is selected based on the efficiency with which energy is transmitted through the system as determined through experimentation.

[0066] Ionization means are provided for ionizing plasma precursor gas 100 inside conduit 12. It should be immediately recognized, however, that ionization of plasma precursor gas 100 may also be carried out in a separate chamber and then transferred into transmission space 18. Notwithstanding this option, ionization within conduit 12 is preferred to cope with recombination of charged particles on an ongoing basis. It is expected that there may be some recombination back to the gas or vapor state which is undesirable; plasma precursor gases universally conform to the Bose Einstein principle of being a conductor in the ion state and an insulator in the gas state. Ionization by means of ultra-violet light, X-rays, radioactive rays, glowing metals, burning gas, and electronic collision are all contemplated although the former means is preferred.

[0067] It is recognized that a laser beam of suitable wavelength can penetrate and ionize a gas or vapor medium over great distances. Accordingly, an ionizing beam emitting means 28 is provided for emitting ionizing beam 30 (laser beam) into transmission space 18 which has been charged with plasma precursor gas 100. The term ionizing beam emitting means as used herein includes not only presently known lasers and laser diodes, but also other light sources of high steradiancy which will excite ionization in a medium. Lasers utilize the natural oscillations of atoms or molecules between energy levels for generating a beam of highly amplified and coherent electromagnetic radiation of one or more discrete frequencies. The laser means used to ionize plasma precursor gas 100 should be selected with regard to energy, pulsewidth and wavelength. Transmission space 18 must be clean, dry and scrubbed of any catalytic agents or impurities that would impede full ionization of plasma precursor gas 100.

[0068] A parcel mirror 32 is mounted across the opening of first end portion 12A of conduit 12 and solid reflective mirror 34 is mounted across the opening of the opposite end portion 12B. Parcel mirror 32 and solid mirror 34 have reflective surfaces 36 and 38, respectively, facing transmission space 18. Parcel mirror 32 permits the passage of ionizing beam 30 generated by ionizing beam emitting means 28 into transmission space 18 conduit 12, but does not allow light to pass in the opposite direction, instead reflecting it back into reaction space 18. Reflection of ionizing beam 30 within transmission space 18 promotes uniform photoionization of plasma precursor gas 100.

[0069] In order to ensure uniform photoionization of plasma precursor gas 100 throughout transmission space 18 the inside surface 40 of wall 14 must be highly efficient in reflecting light particularly short wave light in the UV ranges. Alternatively, optical cavity or optical resonator technology may be employed and is comprised of an arrangement of mirrors that form a standing wave cavity resonator for light waves. Optical cavities are a major component of lasers, surrounding the gain medium and providing feedback of the laser light. Light confined in the cavity reflects multiple times producing standing waves for certain resonance frequencies.

[0070] Once the plasma precursor gas 100 is ionized to achieve the desired plasma density, the plasma components are substantially separated into regionalized channels running parallel to longitudinal axis 16 in response to a magnetic field applied within transmission space 18. Each channel is comprised primarily of a single plasma component (i.e., electron, ion or neutral particle) and is established along the entire length of transmission space 18, from first end portion 12A to second end portion 12B. One channel is comprised primarily of free-electrons (an electron channel or electron path) and provides a path of least resistance for the transmission of energy therethrough. Several embodiments of magnetic field producing means are described below. Generally, a homogenous axial magnetic field is first established throughout the transmission space containing the ionized gas to separate the plasma into its ion, electron and neutral particle component parts, each component type occupying a substantially separate region parallel to longitudinal axis 16, each region having a different degree of conductivity. This process may be referred to as stratification of the plasma.

[0071] In a first embodiment, a magnetic field is created within transmission space 18 by conduit 12 itself, the cylindrical wall 14 of which is composed of an array of magnetic segments 42 with varying directions of magnetization 44 (i.e., a Halbach cylinder) which produce a magnetic flux confined to the transmission space 18 of conduit 12. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the ratio of outer to inner radii of conduit 12 plays a critical role achieving the desired magnetic flux within transmission space 18, as does the number and direction of magnetization of each magnetized segment 42. Referring to FIG. 3, it may be observed that the direction of the magnetic field produced by a cylinder of the K=2 variety is uniformly bottom to top (transversely upward), as indicated by vector field arrow 46. A K-2 Halbach arrangement produces a uniform magnetic field. A variation of this arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 4 in which plurality of permanent magnets shaped into wedges 48 are organized into the desired hollow conduit 12. This arrangement, proposed by Abele and Jensen, also provides a uniform field within transmission space 18. The direction of magnetization of each wedge 48 is calculated using a set of rules given by Abele, and allows for great freedom in the shape of wall 14 and transmission space 18. Embodiments with non-uniform magnetic fields can also be used. Note that by varying the directions of magnetization 44 into different patterns the magnetic flux within transmission space 18 becomes more complex, as evidenced by vector field arrows 46. Such arrangements accordingly produce more complex arrangements of channels including, for instance, more than one channel of the same plasma component. Accordingly, more than one electron path may be generated within a single transmission space 18 with these arrangements.

[0072] In another design variation known as a magnetic mangle, the magnetic field producing means is external to conduit 12 and in one embodiment is comprised of a plurality of uniformly magnetized rods 50 incrementally spaced around the circumference of conduit 12, parallel to its longitudinal axis 16. The rods possess different cross-sectional directions of magnetization 44 relative to one another to mimic the field producing effects of Halbach cylinders. As may be observed, the arrangement illustrated is closely related to the k=2 Halbach cylinder. Rotating rods 50 relative to each other results in many possibilities including a dynamically variable field and various dipolar configurations. Embodiments that provide magnetic field producing means external to conduit 12 have the advantage of permitting the conduit to be made of conductive or non-conductive materials. Semi-rigid polymers, ceramics and glass are contemplated.

[0073] In yet another embodiment, electromagnetic field producing means external to the conduit is comprised of at least one electromagnet arranged to impart an electromagnetic field within transmission space 18 for the segregation of plasma components into the desired longitudinal channels. A quadrupole electromagnet is illustrative but may not be ideal for conduits of lengths suitable for long distance power transmission.

[0074] Referring once again to FIG. 1B, once the regionalizing magnetic field is established within transmission space 18 and the plasma components are separated into axially aligned regions, a current I is drawn from power source 52 and passed through conduit 12, perpendicular to the magnetic field B, creating an electromagnetic force F (Lorentz Force) which has both magnitude and direction. For simplicity's sake, the magnetic field B is shown between two permanent magnets 54A, 54B rather than the above described magnetic field producing means. The direction of force F is dictated by the directions of magnetic field 8 and current I according to Fleming's left hand rule. The application of the external electromagnetic force, Lorentz force, will stratify and substantially separate the plasma components from one another. Once separated, the applied electromotive force will exploit pathways of free electrons from point to point with little or no resistance. The plasma precursor gas or vapor 100 employed is paramagnetic and will either be attracted to or repelled from the electromagnetic field. The mass/charge ratio is different for the electrons, ions and neutral particles leading to either a greater or lesser attraction to the external field. Thus, each plasma component responds to the force with greater or lesser spatial displacement.

[0075] Embodiments can form a closed plasma conductor (CPC) with one or more mass separation filters for extracting undesirable ions. The fins of FIGS. 5A-B and 8A-8C can be used as a mass separation filter, where 40 represents the surface of the vessel in which the ion beam flows, and magnetic fields and/or electric fields can be used to control the motion of the ions in the beam such that the filter can remove undesirable ions. The fin can extend out from the surface and have a variety of paths, e.g., helical, circular (FIGS. 5A-5B), or other desired path.

[0076] Based on the Halbach magnetic arrangements already describe in the application, arrangements of the permanent magnets influence charged particles inside the CPC. Certain arrangements can attract different mass ions towards the walls of the chamber or repel towards the center. Where the undesirable ions have been attracted to move along the wall of the chamber, extraction can be accomplished with filters by the method herein described. Then in the next segment of the CPC, a different Halbach arrangement attracts ions of different mass to filters and so on, until only the needed ions (product) proceed.

[0077] Fin type mass separation filters have been added to the CPC. Dopants, donors, receivers, gelters, can also be used in a manner described in a variation of embodiments. A preferred embodiment is a fin type filter made from a ferromagnetic material bound in formable material to shape fin type ion filter that rings the inside of the CPC as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C. A dopant may be applied. In a specific embodiment, the fin is also a Halbach magnet, meaning it is a composite of segmented pole placement of discrete magnetic fields to either enhance or cancel flux in a three dimensional plane.

[0078] Also the CPC can be adapted to use ionization produced in conventional manners. U.S. Pat. No. 5,189,303, Tanjyo et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,590, Brailove et al. teach such conventional ionization methods. Both Tanjyo and Brailove use a conventional ionization chamber. Tanjyo uses a filament to induce an arc discharge between the chamber and the filament; whereas Brailove uses RF antenna that ionizes electrons with a radio frequency device. Accordingly, the ionization production techniques of Tanjyo and Brailove can be implemented with the subject mass separation method.

[0079] Embodiments of the invention can separate ions by mass from ionized gas or vapor, eliminating undesirable ions from ions that become the product of the invention. Tanjyo (FIG. 21) uses a Wien Filter for mass separation and Brailove (FIGS. 22 & 23) uses a uniquely designed collimator walls where the magnetic field is tuned to emit the desired ions, while eliminating unnecessary ions of differentiated mass through collision with the collimator wall.

[0080] The present CPC invention, using the conventional set up described above i.e., Brailove, would consist of a conventional ionization source, conventional set of electrodes (except they would be tubular) and would replace the Wein filter, and the Brailove collimator wall with more than one novel feature.

[0081] A fin as taught throughout the subject application can be used as a mass separation filter by modifying a conventional CPC design by placing the fin after the plasma electrode and prior to the acceleration and ground electrodes. The fin filter can incorporate a cylindrical shelf or basin inside the CPC itself. This measurement of the distance that it extends into the CPC exactly matches the spatial segregation of the undesirable ions from the product ions taken into account the measured present nature of the ionized gas or vapor and the Halbach array employed.

[0082] By way of example, if ions with the greatest mass are to be extracted, the Halbach array is assembled to attract ions of that mass to the walls of the chamber and the fin would be set at the same distance as that mass volume population would occupy.

[0083] In an embodiment, in the CPC fin, after passing the first filter, the next section of the CPC can be assembled with a different Halbach configuration attracting a different ion to the wall of the chamber and an additional properly measured filter to extract ions set at that position. And so on.

[0084] It is understood the concept of the fin filter can take on any number of shapes, a preferred embodiment is explained here. For the purpose of the CPC we will label this the fin filter because it resembles (in cross section) the dorsal fin of a dolphin if the dolphin was swimming the same direction as the ion flow. So that places the posterior of the fin towards the ion beam forming a cup with the wall of the CPC. The dorsal part of the fin is closest to the center of the CPC and the anterior of the fin drain is downstream.

[0085] It is understood that looking at a cross-section of this fin drain design that the fin can be divided into any number of parts. In a preferred embodiment the fin is divided into three sections, posterior, dorsal, and anterior.

[0086] The fin can be fabricated with ferromagnetic material in a binder, and possible dopant. The ferromagnetic material can be magnetized in its own Halbach array, independent from the walls of the CPC, except that the flux is arranged on the side desired and canceled on the side where a stray field is undesirable. Various permutations can be implemented. In a preferred embodiment, the fin magnetic field can be described in three sections and three corresponding magnetic fields. Fin charge/polarity may be in addition to the CPC magnetic field or also canceled to the same degree. The fin can be used to either carry charge or polarity in any combination.

[0087] In one embodiment, the posterior section of the fin is a positive field that adds to the CPC. The dorsal has no charge, meaning the posterior and anterior have been arranged to cancel the dorsal side. The anterior section of the fin has a negative charge. Any number of charge or polarity configurations can be designed into the fin, fine tuning against the background CPC magnetic field to produce the optimum solution for extraction.

[0088] The filter can extract the undesirable ions by means of a slit, grate, or holes. Ions will have circular motion in a unified magnetic field. In a preferred embodiment, holes are used spaced all the way to the lowest point of the posterior section of the fin drain and out to and onto the dorsal section of the fin drain. Not only are the holes sized to accommodate extraction of the undesirable ions, pattern size and shape are calculated to prefer the mass and circular motion of ions selectively eliminated.

[0089] Additionally the holes themselves can be enhanced with Halbach magnetic small flux field using the ferromagnetic composites, inside the hole, making the hole itself more attractive to the ion to be extracted.

[0090] In a further embodiment prior to the fin drain, perforations in the skin of the inside walls of the CPC can be closed, opened, periodically or continuously to release getters that move into the drain and are likewise extracted.

[0091] The present invention seeks to introduce optimum tunable variables to meet the requirements of the product ion.

[0092] An embodiment of the invention relates to a mass separation filter for extracting desirable, or undesirable ions. Embodiments incorporate at least one annular fin 200 for extraction of select ions that projects from the inside surface 40 of the wall 14 for extraction of select ions. A fin may be located at any point along the length of the ionization chamber between the plasma electrode at the first end and the acceleration and/or ground electrode at the second end. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the fin 200 has a particular cross-sectional shape in which it curves into the direction of the first end 12A of the conduit 12. Other fin cross-sectional shapes include a block-shaped fin, a fin with a sharper angle of attack into the direction of the first end 12A, and a cantilever-style fin. However, this list is not exhaustive, and other fin cross-sections that are apparent to a person with skill in the art and having benefit of the subject disclosure are considered.

[0093] FIG. 5A shows a partial radial cross-section of an embodiment at a point along the length of the ionization chamber where there is a fin. FIG. 7 shows a partial longitudinal cross-section of an embodiment having at least two fins; particles m.sub.1 and m.sub.2 differ in mass and are thus affected differently by the magnetic field. This allows for collection of ions of varying masses at various points along the length of the ionization chamber. In a further embodiment, the number of fins and/or the length of the ionization chamber is such that only ions of a desired (or undesired) mass remain in the plasma by the time it reaches the second end 12B of the conduit 12.

[0094] The fins can capture ions in a variety of ways. In an embodiment, the fin is magnetized in its own Halbach array, independent from the walls of the CPC. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, the fin has a positive polarity region 205 on the portion facing the first end 12A of the conduit 12, a negatively polarity region 210 on the portion facing the second end 12B of the conduit 12, and a non-magnetized region 215 on the portion of the fin that is closest to the longitudinal axis 16. In other embodiments, the positive, negative, and non-magnetized portions are distributed differently, or are not all present.

[0095] In an embodiment, the fin is fabricated by introducing a magnetic material into a substrate material. In a further embodiment, the material is a ferromagnetic material added into a polymer and either compression or injection molded into the desired fin shape. In a specific embodiment, the fin contains a neomagnet, such as Nd.sub.2Fe.sub.14B. In other embodiments, the fin may additionally contain one or several dopants, donors, receivers, and/or getters.

[0096] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 8C, there is a plurality of perforations 220 in the skin of the inside walls of the CPC that can be closed or opened periodically or continuously to release getters, which move toward the fin and are extracted. FIG. 8C also shows a plurality of holes 230 situated in the fin to accommodate extraction of ions. The pattern size and shape of the holes can be adjusted to prefer the mass and circular motion of ions selectively eliminated. Additionally, the holes can be enhanced with Halbach magnetic small flux fields using the ferromagnetic composite, making the hole itself attractive to the ion to be extracted. The energy to be transmitted may be introduced into the electron path directly via energy input means in operable communication with transmission space 18 at or near first end portion 12A. In a preferred embodiment, energy input means is comprised of a hyperbolic transmitting electrode 56 inserted into transmission space 18 at first end portion 12A of conduit 12 generally and into that area of transmission space 18 occupied by the electron path in particular. Alternatively, when the electron path is adjacent at least a portion of wall 14 the energy may be introduced into the conductive wall 14 itself whereupon it will jump to the path of least resistance, that being the adjacent electron path. The energy to be transmitted is drawn from energy source 52. In one embodiment, energy source 52 may be a transformer or Cockcroft-Walton (CW, not to be confused with the acronym for Continuous Wave) generator or multiplier, which is basically a voltage multiplier that converts AC or pulsing DC electrical power from a low voltage level to a higher DC voltage level. It is made up of a voltage multiplier ladder network of capacitors and diodes to generate high voltages. Unlike transformers, this method eliminates the requirement for the heavy core and the bulk of insulation/potting required. Using only capacitors and diodes, these voltage multipliers can step up relatively low voltages to extremely high values, while at the same time being far lighter and cheaper than transformers. The biggest advantage of such circuits is that the voltage across each stage of the cascade is equal to only twice the peak input voltage, so it has the advantage of requiring relatively low cost components and being easy to insulate. One can also tap the output from any stage, like a multitapped transformer.

[0097] In operation, a clean, dry, airtight conduit is provided. The interior of conduit 12 must be scrubbed to eliminate any contaminants that might impede full ionization of the medium. Conduit 12 may be flushed with a so-called getter such as Cesium, to eliminate any catalyst. All fluid is evacuated from the transmission space 18 via vacuum system 24. Plasma precursor gas 100 is then extracted from storage unit 22 and introduced into conduit 12 via inlet 20 and pressure verified. A variety of plasma precursor gases or vapors may be employed. For instance, a titanium vapor is particularly well suited because it is an alkaline metal having only one valance electron and is therefore highly reactive. Lithium vapor may also be ideal. Ionizing beam emitting means 28 is activated to generate ionizing beam 30 and ionization is brought to maximum sustainable levels. Power is supplied to any magnetic field generating means that may require it for operation (such as electromagnetic multi-poles, for instance). A potential is applied axially across the transmission space 18, orthogonal to the magnetic flux via transmitting electrode 56 and hyperbolic receiving electrode 58 the latter of which is located at second end 12B of conduit 12. The foci of hyperbolic transmitting and receiving electrodes 56 and 58, respectively, face one another. The ends of both electrodes are inserted into the transmission space 18 a distance from first end 12A and second end 12B sufficient to account for any end effects affecting the uniformity of the magnetic field. Once the electromagnetic field is generated separation of the plasma into its component parts occurs producing spatially segregated channels of each component parallel to longitudinal axis 16. High order energy from power source 52 is then introduced into transmission space 18, again via transmitting electrode 56 and is transmitted through the transmission space along at least one segregated electron path having low or no resistance from point-to-point. The energy is received by receiving electrode 58 at end 12B of conduit 12 and in communication with energy recovery means 60 such as a capacitor bank, for instance. Conduit 12 is constantly monitored for leaks during operation.

[0098] Auxiliary systems for apparatus 10 are provided. The operation of apparatus 10 is monitored at two control panels located at the ends of the energy transmission line, to which all the required information is provided by probes for ionization levels, vacuum quality installed at several points along conduit 12. Suitable sites for the systems for monitoring, observing, and correcting plasma density will lie at junctions between sections. The system should be protected from extreme events, such as rupture of conduit 12 with loss of vacuum, for which fast vacuum gate valves should be installed at a certain distance along the conduit. For a gate valve response time of under 0:5 sec, and given the time to evacuate all of the energy from the line, the total energy loss should be minimal.

[0099] As should now be appreciated, the subject apparatus 10 is a room temperature conductor by design. Apparatus 10 serves as a means for transmitting high order energy from distant energy sources through a modified plasma containing conduit into a load center for further distribution. In the simplest terms, this invention is a bosonic energy carrier in a tube. Because both the magnetic field and the EM field configurations are nearly limitless and varying plasma mediums are conductive to a wide range of charged particles, motions through the tube can be manipulated in useful ways.

[0100] Aspects of the invention, such as controlling the opening and closing, moving, and adjusting the opening of the mass resolving aperture, as well as analyzing the beam downstream, may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced with a variety of computer-system configurations, including multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable-consumer electronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Any number of computer-systems and computer networks are acceptable for use with the present invention.

[0101] Specific hardware devices, programming languages, components, processes, protocols, and numerous details including operating environments and the like are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. In other instances, structures, devices, and processes are shown in block-diagram form, rather than in detail, to avoid obscuring the present invention. But an ordinary-skilled artisan would understand that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. Computer systems, servers, work stations, and other machines may be connected to one another across a communication medium including, for example, a network or networks.

[0102] As one skilled in the art will appreciate, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as, among other things: a method, system, or computer-program product. Accordingly, the embodiments may take the form of a hardware embodiment, a software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. In an embodiment, the present invention takes the form of a computer-program product that includes computer-useable instructions embodied on one or more computer-readable media.

[0103] Computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatile media, transient and non-transient media, removable and nonremovable media, and contemplate media readable by a database, a switch, and various other network devices. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media comprise media implemented in any method or technology for storing information. Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. Media examples include, but are not limited to, information-delivery media, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magnetic storage devices. These technologies can store data momentarily, temporarily, or permanently.

[0104] The invention may be practiced in distributed-computing environments where tasks are performed by remote-processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed-computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer-storage media including memory storage devices. The computer-useable instructions form an interface to allow a computer to react according to a source of input. The instructions cooperate with other code segments to initiate a variety of tasks in response to data received in conjunction with the source of the received data.

[0105] The present invention may be practiced in a network environment such as a communications network. Such networks are widely used to connect various types of network elements, such as routers, servers, gateways, and so forth. Further, the invention may be practiced in a multi-network environment having various, connected public and/or private networks.

[0106] Communication between network elements may be wireless or wireline (wired). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, communication networks may take several different forms and may use several different communication protocols. And the present invention is not limited by the forms and communication protocols described herein.

[0107] All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.

[0108] It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application.

[0109] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the particular embodiments herein set forth, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the foregoing specifications, but rather only by the scope of the claims appended hereto.