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US 5,397,961 AGranted
Apparatus for generating a pulsed plasma in a liquid medium
OwnerRichard A. Ayers, Richard H. Wesleyinventors
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Abstract
Apparatus for generating a pulsed plasma in a liquid medium wherein a pulse forming network is provided to supply a high energy pulse to spaced electrodes for creating a spark channel and initiating the plasma. The pulse forming network is impedance matched to the average impedance of the plasma channel established between the electrodes. The network generates a 5 to 20 microsecond pulse in the gigawatt power range to effect energy transfer to the plasma before significant expansion can occur.
Claims19
Apparatus for generating a high pressure shock wave in a liquid medium which comprises:
- (a) first and second spaced electrodes for contacting the liquid medium;
- (b) means for maintaining the spacing of the first and second electrodes when said electrodes are in contact with the medium, said means including a spark head having a curved surface from which said spaced electrodes protrude;
- (c) a pulse-forming network coupled between a power supply and the first and second electrodes for initiating a spark discharge therebetween, said network having a characteristic impedance which is a function of the spacing between the first and second electrodes;
- and
- (d) output switch means connected between the pulse-forming network and at least one of the electrodes, the actuation of said output switch means providing a pulse of energy to said electrodes whereby a plasma is created in that portion of the medium between the electrodes, the plasma generating a high pressure shock wave in said medium.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.