Electrohydrodynamically driven large-area liquid ion sources
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy
InventorArian L. Pregenzer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A large-area liquid ion source comprises means for generating, over a large area of the surface of a liquid, an electric field of a strength sufficient to induce emission of ions from a large area of said liquid. Large areas in this context are those distinct from emitting areas in unidimensional emitters.
Claims17
A liquid ion source comprising means for generating, over a large area of the surfae of a liquid capable of emitting ions, an electric field of a strength sufficient to induce emission of ions from said large area at a current density on the order of at least 5 kA/cm.sup.2, wherein said large area is on the order of at least 10.lambda..sup.2 and .lambda. is the wavelength of an unstable surface wave generated in said ion source by said electric field.
A device for generating a current of positive ions with a density on the order of at least 10 kA/cm.sup.2, comprising:
- a cathode;
- an anode separated from said cathode by a gap and having a surface which faces said cathode;
- a liquid source of positive ions forming at least part of said anode surface facing said cathode;
- means for maintaining said positive ion source in the liquid state;
- means for generating an electric field between said anode and cathode, whereby the electric field at said liquid anode surface is of sufficient strength that positive ions are emitted from a large area of said surface, independently of field emitted electrons from said cathode, wherein said large area is on the order of at least 10.lambda..sup.2, .lambda. being the wavelength of an unstable surface wave generated in said ion source by said electric field.
A method of generating a current of ions having a density on the order of at least 10 kA/cm.sup.2 from an area of the surface of a liquid ion source, said area being on the order of at least 10.lambda..sup.2, .lambda. being the wavelength of an unstable surface wave generated in said ion source, comprising exposing the surface to an electric field of at least 10 MV/cm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.