GB823072A - Improvements in or relating to the utilization of a plasma of ions to produce high temperature - Google Patents

Abstract

823,072. Discharge apparatus. ZENITH RADIO CORPORATION. May 23, 1956 [May 23, 1955], No. 15917/56. Class 39(1). [Also in Groups XI and XXXV] High temperatures are produced in a gaseous medium by confining a plasma of ions in a concentrated magnetic field, the plasma developing a field-free region within the magnetic field. The plasma may be formed by a spark discharge, which may be d.c. or oscillatory, and the magnetic field may be formed by a pair of coils which produce fields in aiding or opposing relationship. The magnetic field, e.g. of 10<SP>7</SP> gauss, may be produced in 10ÁS pulses and a spark discharge of up to 9ÁS duration generated after the initiation of each magnetic field pulse. Suitable pulse generating and voltage triggering circuits incorporating delay lines are described. In Fig. 1, the coils 55, 61 are flat single turn conductors 55, 61, which are integral with rings 47 forming part of the walls of the container. The rings 47 are separated by rings of insulation 45. Gas is admitted to the container under pressure through a duct 9 and evacuation is through a duct 35. The electrodes comprise a fixed electrode 25 and a spark plug 27. An observation window, comprising a quartz or glass disc 21 is held in place by a hollow screw against a gasket 19, e.g. of copper or synthetic resin material. The coils may be connected in series or in parallel. In Fig. 6, cylindrical coils 115, 115<SP>1</SP> are formed from a single sheet or two sheets joined together (see Group XXXV), and are integral with flat leads passing transversely through the container wall. The container may be of stainless steel coated with gold, silver or copper to reduce electrical losses on the surface may be made highly resistant to reduce magnetic losses. The apparatus has application to spectroscopy, or to the production of nitric oxide from nitrogen and oxygen, or amomnia from nitrogen and hydrogen.