System, method and apparatus for plasma arc welding ceramics and sapphire

A device for plasma arc welding two ceramic or sapphire pieces together comprising:

• a cylindrical vessel having a first end and a second end;
• a tangential inlet connected to or proximate to the first end;
• a tangential outlet connected to or proximate to the second end;
• an electrode housing connected to the first end of the cylindrical vessel such that a first electrode is (a) aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel, and (b) extends into the cylindrical vessel;
• a hollow electrode nozzle connected to the second end of the cylindrical vessel such that the center line of the hollow electrode nozzle is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel;
• a second electrode positioned proximate to the hollow electrode nozzle such that the ceramic or sapphire is positioned between the second electrode and the hollow electrode;
• and
• wherein (a) the tangential inlet and the tangential outlet create a vortex within the cylindrical vessel, and (b) the first electrode and the hollow electrode nozzle create a plasma that discharges through the hollow electrode nozzle and couples to the second electrode such that the two pieces of ceramic or sapphire are welded together.