High efficiency long lifetime sparker sources

Abstract

An impulsive acoustic and radiation source is provided that maintains a constant electrode gap to provide efficient and long life operation. In one implementation the electrodes have a “toaster” arrangement. In another implementation the electrodes have a double annulus arrangement. The electrode gap may be maintained by interposing a non-electrically conducting material between the electrodes. In another implementation the electrode gap is maintain by the insertion of electrodes into a base. Also, the electrodes may be coated with a non-electrically conduction material. In alternative implementation, efficient and long life operation is achieved by feeding a material between widely spaced electrodes. In certain implementations an exothermic material is fed to increase the strength of the impulse from the sparker. Also, reflectors and enclosures are employed that increase the output utilization of the source.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.