WO2013046120A1

WO2013046120A1 - Systems and methods for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles

Info

Publication number: WO2013046120A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/055099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Krupakar Murali Subramanian
Original assignee: Krupakar Murali Subramanian
Priority date: 2011-09-26
Filing date: 2012-09-25
Publication date: 2013-04-04

Abstract

Systems and methods for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles are provided, wherein the system comprises of, one or more cathode part, one or more anode part, a power supply unite, further wherein one or more cathode part or one or more anode part simultaneously or independently, contain one or more flat component. The said cathode parts are placed radially with respect to each other surrounding the anode parts, wherein the said anode parts are placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the cathode parts. Methods of electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles are also disclosed.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC ACCELERATION OR

COMPRESSIONOF PARTICLES.

FIELD OF INVENTION:

The present invention relates to systems and methods for acceleration or compression of particles by generation of electromagnetic field.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

The conventional systems for acceleration and compression of particles by generation of electromagnetic field which are also referred to as Magnetic Self Confinement Device comprises of an inner cylindrical anode part surrounded by two or more cylindrical cathode parts in a squirrel cage configuration.

When high voltage is applied, the particles between the anode part and the cathode part the said gas within the chamber ionizes and forms a dense zone of ionized particles which may also be referred to as the plasma sheath. The plasma sheath moves along the principal axis of the system till it reaches one end of the device where the plasma sheath on either side of the anode part intersect each other and the plasma sheath collapses therein.

The system is used for generation of electron beams, ion beams, X-rays, neutrons and other fusion products. The system can also be used to generate secondary particles such as but not limited to radioisotopes, through transmutation of various components within and outside the confinement using the radiation generated from the device.

Previous systems which have been used to generate electron beams, ion beams, X-rays, neutrons and other fusion products are called Dense Plasma Focus (DPF) devices. These devices discharge pulsed electrical signals that drive instabilities. These instabilities lead to the generation of powerful beams of electrons, ions, charged particles and copious amounts of x- rays. They also lead to the generation of fusion neutrons and other fusion by-products depending on the gas filled within the confinement. Two different chamber designs were developed independently by Filippov in the former Soviet Union and Mather in the United States. Schematic drawings of the two machines is shown in FIGURE A. In the first phase (see FIGURE A in both drawings of FIGURE A where 'C denotes 'cathode'; 'A' denotes 'anode' and T denotes insulator), when the pulsed power is applied, breakdown occurs along the cylindrical insulator. Under the action of the Lorentz force, the conducting plasma sheath moves from position 1 to position 2 in figure 1. In 3, the sheath reaches the axis of symmetry of the chamber. In a general sense, a plasma focus can be considered to be a power transformer; the energy progressively stored as kinetic and magnetic energy by and around the moving current sheath is abruptly converted into beams, with a large power increase.

Breakdown in a plasma focus should lead to the development of a regularly axisymmetric sheath along the insulator. The applied voltage and voltage rise time as a function of fill gas composition and pressure are important parameters. Experiments have shown that the propagating plasma sheath is not simply thin and dense plasma, but rather a fairly broad and diffuse structure. An anomalous resistance phase follows when the plasma sheath has reached the axis under the action of the Lorentz force. This is the fundamental stage of the discharge, in the sense that, without this very large impedance rise, one never observes the generation of electron beams, ion beams, X-rays, neutrons and other fusion products.

The Filippov machine was developed as a modification of the straight Z-pinch to "hide" the insulator zone from the pinch region and prevent restrikes caused by radiation from the hot plasma.

The Mather plasma focus was a modified regime from a coaxial plasma gun operated at higher fill pressure. As can be seen in FIGURE A, the geometries of experiments in the two cases are fairly different, and the first phases are also different. However, since the sheaths are well formed and do not suffer from restrikes, they both end up with the same interaction of a linear current discharge with the plasma.

Several variations of the Mather type geometry have been proposed in the past, for instance a Mather type design with the spherical electrodes as shown below in FIGURE B was proposed by Makeev et al., from the Russian Academy of Science. The Filippov design allows a fast acceleration phase and a slow collapse phase of the plasma sheath, while the Mather design allows a slow acceleration phase and a fast collapse phase.

The said Mather type and Filippov type devices have various drawbacks. Only limited number of cathode rods may be used in a squirrel cage like arrangement. Moreover, these rods generally have large size to withstand the mechanical stress caused due to field stresses created by electric and magnetic fields that would otherwise bend or deform the rods. Further, the plasma sheath formed does not provide the best environment for production of a dense plasma sheath with most favorable properties and thus may result in unexpected or unwanted low productivity.

Hence, there is a requirement of systems which may reduce or overcome one or more of the above mentioned problems and drawbacks. The present invention in its various embodiments addresses the above mentioned problems and other possible drawbacks and limitations of the currently used systems and methods relating to the field of invention.

The said invention called the Magnetic Self Confinement (MSC) device allows greater controllability of the sheath acceleration phases, the MSC system could be designed to have a slow acceleration and slow collapse phase or a fast acceleration and a fast collapse phase or any combination thereof simply by varying the geometry of the cathode and anode.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:

An object of the invention is to provide systems and methods for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles which contains one or more flat components.

Another object of the invention is to provide systems and methods for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles that can mitigate or eliminate mechanical stress related problems. Another object of the invention is to provide systems and methods for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles that can withstand electromagnetic stresses and provide additional mechanical strength.

Another object of the invention is to provide systems and methods for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles which can induce a homogenized plasma sheath around the anode part and increase the productivity from the final pinch phase.

Another object of the invention is to provide systems and methods for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles which can withstand expansion and movement of cathode parts outwards and sideways.

Another object of the invention is to provide systems for smooth transfer of energy into the pinch plasma region.

Another object of the invention is to provide systems and methods for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles which minimizes trapped particles or gases and allows a smooth transition of the plasma sheath.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention in a preferred embodiment provides systems and methods for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, wherein the system comprises of, one or more cathode part, one or more anode part, a high power supply unit, further wherein one or more cathode part or one or more anode part simultaneously or independently, contain one or more flat components. The said cathode parts are placed radially with respect to each other surrounding the anode parts, wherein the said anode parts are placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the cathode parts. An example of the arrangement of the anode parts with respect to the cathode parts is illustrated in Fig: 2. When high power is applied to one or more of the cathode parts, particles of a fill gas between the cathode part and the anode part are ionized forming a dense zone of ionized particles. The invention also discloses methods of electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles. The polarity of the anode and cathode parts could also be interchanged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DIAGRAMS

Figure A Filippov type and Mather type dense plasma focus device for comparison.

Figure B A variation of Mather type dense plasma focus that uses a spherical geometry.

Figure 1 represents an example of the isometric view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts with respect to anode parts is shown.

Figure 2 represents an example of the longitudinal cross sectional view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts with respect to anode parts is shown.

The said cathode parts could optionally be made from rods that have a cross-section that is a polygon with 'n' sides, where n = 3 (corresponding to a triangle) to infinity (corresponding to a circle).

Figure 3 represents an example of the front view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts with respect to anode parts and an assembly of support units is shown.

Figure 4 represents an example of the longitudinal cross sectional view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts with respect to anode parts and an assembly of support units is shown.

Figure 5 represents an example of the transverse cross sectional view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts with respect to anode parts and the an assembly of support units is shown.

Figure 6 represents an example of the isometric view of external assembly of support units in one of the embodiments of the invention. Figure 7 represents an example of the longitudinal cross sectional view of external assembly of support units in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 8 represents an example of the transverse cross sectional view of external assembly of support units in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 9 represents an example of the front view of an internal assembly of support units in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 10 represents example of an isometric view of an internal assembly of support units in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 11 represents example of a side view of an internal assembly of support units in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 12 represents an example of a bottom view of an internal assembly of support units in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 13 represents an example of an isometric view of an assembly of support units in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 14 represents an example of another isometric view of an assembly of support units in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the relative position of an external assembly of support units and an internal assembly of support units is shown.

Figure 15 represents an example of a longitudinal cross sectional view of an assembly of support units in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the relative position of an external assembly of support units and an internal assembly of support units is shown.

Figure 16 represents an example of an isometric view of one of the embodiments of the invention. Figure 17 represents an example of an isometric view of external assembly of support units in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 18 represents an example of a side view of one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 19 represents an example of a longitudinal cross sectional view of one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 20 represents an example of a diagrammatic representation of one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 21 and 22 represents an example of a diagrammatic representation of one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 23 represents an example of a diagrammatic representation one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 24 represents an example of a diagrammatic representation of different types of insulators in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 25 represents an example of a side view of an anode part in one of the embodiments of the invention.

The cross-section of the anode part could be a polygon with 'n' sides where n = 3 (corresponding to a triangle) to infinity (corresponding to a circle).

Figure 26 represents an example of a longitudinal cross sectional view of an anode part in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 27 represents an example of a side view of an anode part in one of the embodiments of the invention. Figure 28 represents an example of a longitudinal cross sectional view of an anode part in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 29 and 30 represents an example of a side view of an anode part in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 31 represents an example of a longitudinal cross sectional view of an anode part in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 32 represents an example of a side view of an anode part in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 33 represents an example of a side view of an anode part in one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 34 represents an example of diagrammatic representation of one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 35 represents an example of diagrammatic representation of one of the embodiments of the invention.

Figure 36 represents an example of diagrammatic representation of one of the embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention in a preferred embodiment provides systems and methods for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, wherein the system comprises of, one or more cathode part, one or more anode part, a power supply unit, further wherein one or more cathode part or one or more anode part simultaneously or independently, contain one or more flat components. The said cathode parts are placed radially with respect to each other surrounding the anode parts, wherein the said anode parts are placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the cathode parts. An example of the arrangement of the anode parts with respect to the cathode parts is illustrated in Fig: 2. When high power is applied to one or more of the cathode parts, particles of a fill gas between the cathode part and the anode part are ionized forming a dense zone of ionized particles. The invention also discloses methods of electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles.

In an embodiment of the invention, the systems in accordance with the invention may include one or more support units, wherein the support units may be used additionally or optionally along with a cathode part or an anode part.

In an embodiment of the invention, one or more support units in accordance with the invention may be of any length or breadth or height or diameter or radius or circumference or surface area or volume or thickness.

In an embodiment of the invention, the support units in accordance with the invention may comprise of sections separated partially or completely from one another by slots or grooves or apertures or cuts or recess or slits or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the support units in accordance with the invention may be associated together with each other to form a assembly of support units which may optionally or simultaneously or independently be attached to one or more cathode parts or one or more anode parts either externally, that is closer to the outer circumference of the system to form an external assembly of support units; or internally, that is closer to the central axis of the system to form an internal assembly of support units.

In an embodiment of the invention, the external assembly of support units or the internal assembly of support units or the hollow core of the anode part units may optionally or simultaneously or independently contain a coil of wire, wherein the coil of wire may be placed inside the hollow core of the anode part or around the external assembly of support units or the internal assembly of support units.

In an embodiment of the invention, the coil of wire may or may not be insulated. In an embodiment of the invention, the slots or grooves or apertures or cuts or recess or slits of the support units in accordance with the invention may have various orientations such as but is not limited to being straight or slanted or curved or inclined or curvilinear or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the support units in accordance with the invention may additionally or optionally be connected to a cathode part or an anode part or to another support unit or to another segment or section of the support unit by various connectors such as but not limited to screw, rivet, pin, nail, fastener, bolt, wire, joint, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the support units in accordance with the invention may additionally or optionally be of various shapes such as or similar to, but not limited to, circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, polygonal or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the support units in accordance with the invention may additionally or optionally; or partially or completely; or simultaneously or concurrently or independently; be segmented along the transverse or longitudinal axis.

In an embodiment of the invention, the body or surface or exterior of one or more cathode parts, one or more anode parts, one or more support units in accordance with the invention may contain one or more; holes, wherein, holes may include but is not limited to apertures, or cavities, or gaps, or lacuna, or perforation, or vent; with one or more openings.

In an embodiment of the invention, the systems in accordance with the invention may partially or completely be enclosed in a confinement. Further the confinement may be filled with a fill gas.

In an embodiment of the invention, the systems in accordance with the invention may include one or more insulator, wherein the insulator is optionally, simultaneously, or independently, placed between the cathode part and anode part, or around cathode part, or around anode part, or around the confinement, partially and completely covering the anode part or cathode part or the confinement.

Typically, the breakdown is initiated across the insulator's surface when a high voltage is applied between the cathode part and anode part and the plasma sheath under the influence of Lorentz force moves smoothly towards the free-end of the anode part where it pinches.

Typically, said system comprises insulator, wherein the insulator is placed between the cathode par and the anode part, wherein the insulator is place close to the anode part, wherein insulator inserted partially into the anode up to a certain length, that is less than the length of the anode covering the tip of the insulator and exposing only the surface of the insulator to the plasma sheath in the breakdown phase, thus reducing the electromagnetic stresses.

In an embodiment of the invention, he insulator may have various surface contours such as but not limited to smooth, regular, irregular, grained, wavy, serrated, wedged, teethed, or any combination thereof.

Typically, said system comprises insulators with different surface contours, wherein certain surface contours decrease the buildup of sputtered material on the insulator in a fashion that would otherwise lower the breakdown voltage. Further, such a surface contour would increase the surface breakdown voltage as the effective surface area increases with such contours.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method for assembling a system of electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles comprises the steps of,

a. placing more than one cathode parts radially with respect to each other surrounding at least an anode part, wherein the said anode part is placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the said cathode parts;

b. connecting one or more support units to one or more cathode parts or one or more anode parts or both;

c. fixing the support units to the cathode parts or the anode parts restricting movement of the cathode parts or the anode parts in a fixed direction; and

d. connecting power supply unit to the cathode parts or anode parts or both. In an embodiment of the invention, the method for assembling a system of electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles comprises the steps of,

a. placing more than one cathode parts radially with respect to each other surrounding at least an anode part, wherein the said anode part is placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the said cathode parts; and

b. connecting power supply unit to the cathode parts or anode parts or both.

In an embodiment of the invention, the methods for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles comprises steps of,

a. providing high voltage electricity, wherein the said electricity is supplied by a power supply unit;

b. generating a potential difference between one or more cathode parts and one or more anode parts;

c. ionizing particles between the said cathode parts and the said anode parts;

d. creating a dense zone of ionized particles between the said cathode parts and the said anode parts, herein after referred to as a plasma sheath;

e. drifting of the said plasma sheath from one end to another end; and

f. collapsing of the said plasma sheath at one end.

In an embodiment of the invention, one or more cathode parts or one or more anode parts may be physically or electrically connected to or isolated from one another.

Typically, said method comprises a step and means of generating low magnetic fields.

Typically, said method comprises the step of placing a coil of wire optionally or independently or simultaneously outside the cathode part or the anode part or within a hollow anode part or around the assembly of support units, wherein the coil of wire may be connected or disconnected from one another, wherein the coil of wire may optionally be insulated. Typically, said method comprises the step of extracting energy from the electron beam that traverses at least through some part of the hollow anode. The energy from the said electron beam can be extracted through any of the techniques available to those skilled in the art.

Typically, said method comprises the step of extracting energy from the ion beam that moves in the direction away from the said anode. The energy from the said ion beam can be extracted through any of the techniques available to those skilled in the art.

Typically, said method comprises the step of providing a ferromagnetic or a diamagnetic material or a paramagnetic material in the form of tube or rod or lamellate or loose filings within the cavity of the anode part.

Typically, said method comprises the step of providing a cathode part or an anode part made from a ferromagnetic or a paramagnetic or a diamagnetic material or any combination thereof.

Typically, said method comprises the step of providing the coil of wire at the tip of the anode part or at the bottom of the anode part or could cover either partially or the entire cathode part or either partially or the entire anode part or either partially or the entire confinement or any combination or position thereof.

Alternatively, said method comprises the step of providing single coil of wire around the confinement.

Alternatively, said method comprises the step of providing multiple coil of wire around the confinement in various locations.

Typically, said step of providing at least one \ power supply unit comprises the step of supplying voltages such as but not limited to pulsed voltages, radio frequency signals selected from in-phase, out-of-phase, delayed, without delay, modulated between multiple signals, offset signals and unmodulated between multiple signals.

Alternatively, said method comprises a step of generating signals for use by said method, said signals being selected from a group of signal types consisting of unmodulated signals, modulated signals, modulated signals with multiple frequencies applicable to electrodes simultaneously, modulated signals with multiple frequencies applicable to electrodes separately, modulated signals with intermixed frequency signals, in phase signals, out of phase signals, pulse waveforms, waveforms applied to offset voltages, offset by different voltages - AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current) or any combination thereof.

Typically, said method comprises the step of generating means RF signals for use by said method, said RF power being used is selected from a group of frequencies consisting of single frequency and a mixture of several frequencies super imposed or applied to different sets of coil of wire along said confinement.

Typically, one or more coil(s) could be used for generating low magnetic fields, the other coil(s) could be used to pre-ionize the gases within the confinement to help homogenize the plasma sheath formation and ultimately help the pinching process.

Typically, said method comprises step of providing at least one anode part with positive voltage instead of grounding it and providing at least one cathode part with negative voltage instead of grounding it in order to divide the voltage between two electrodes and in order to reduce stress on insulators.

Typically, said method comprises step of providing a confinement of ferromagnetic material, or paramagnetic material or diamagnetic material or annealed material, wherein the annealed material may or may not show magnetic properties.

Alternatively, said method comprises a step of generating means RF plasma and / or magnetic fields, using coil of wire, for use by said method, said coil of wire being embedded inside said confinement.

Typically, said method comprises step of generating magnetic fields using an electromagnet or a permanent magnet or any combination thereof. Typically, said method comprises step of generating magnetic field by a permanent magnet can be controlled by changing its position/location or distance from the system.

Alternatively, said method comprises step of generating magnetic field by electromagnets can be controlled by changing its position/location or distance from the system or by changing the current flowing through the coils of the electromagnets.

Typically, said method comprises step of cooling various parts/components of the system by passing cooling fluid through hollow tubes optionally or independently or simultaneously surrounding various parts/components of the system.

Typically, said method comprises step of cooling various parts/components of the system by forced convection.

In an embodiment of the invention, a typical 'Mather-type' system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles is used, wherein the rods of the cathode part is replaced with one or more cathode parts containing one or more flat components.

In an embodiment of the invention, a typical 'Filippov-type' system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles is used, wherein the rods of the cathode part is replaced with one or more cathode parts containing one or more flat components.

In an embodiment of the invention, an inner surface of an anode part forms an angle a with a continued conical surface of the said anode part and an inner conical surface of a flat component of a cathode part forms an angle β with the said inner surface of the said anode part, wherein values of the said angle a and the said angle β can independently be any suitable value between 0° to 90°.

The term "flat component" for the purpose of this invention may include but is not limited to a component or module or piece or part or section or segment of one or more cathode part, or one or more anode part, which has a body resembling a plate or a sheet or a slab or a laminate structure or has a planar structure as opposed to a curved structure. The flat component may be a part of one or more cathode parts or one or more anode parts or may be separately connected or fixed to form a part of one or more cathode parts or one or more anode parts. Such a flat component could have edges that are sharp or rounded, the surfaces of such flat components could be curved and/or straight and/or inclined and/or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, one or more cathode parts or one or more anode parts may additionally or optionally have a bent or curved structure protruding or projecting or overhanging or obtruding towards the principal axis of the system. Further, the protruding or projecting or over-hanging or obtruding end of the cathode part or the anode part may be bent or curved at a certain angle to the principal axis of the system.

In an embodiment of the invention, the cathode parts and the anode parts may additionally or optionally be equal or unequal in number; or aligned or unaligned.

The term "fill gas" for the purpose of this invention may include but is not limited to gases comprising air, Deuterium (D), Tritium(T), DT, D₂, T₂, Helium, any molecule represented by the formula: CaHbD_cTdAAeBBfCCgDD EEiFFjGGkHHiII_mJJnKK^LI^MM_qN _rOOsPPtQQuRRv where C is carbon, D is deuterium, T is tritium, H is hydrogen, the symbols AA, BB, CC, DD, EE, FF, GG, HH, II, JJ, KK, LL, MM, NN, 00, PP, QQ, represent either same or different element(s) or their isotopes from the periodic table (for instance, AA could symbolically represent silicon, EE could represent fluorine and HH could once again represent fluorine (same element as EE) AA_eEEiHH_!, when e = l, i = l, j = 3, with all the remaining terms being zero, the compound the stated formula represents is SiF4) that form a chemical bond with the remaining elements in the compound, with the small letters a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k,l,m,n,o,p,q,r,s,t,u,v are integers that take any value from 0 to 50 representing the number of atoms (to which it is a subscript, for instance a = 1 , b = 0, c = 4, d..v = 0, represents CD₄, deuterated methane), the said compounds may be prepared using any other combination of isotopes of the said elements and could be mixtures of more than one gas each of the said components represented by the said formula or could be fine particles suspended in the fluid medium or any combination thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, one or more cathode part, or one or more anode part, or one or more support units, or the confinement, may additionally, optionally, simultaneously, or concurrently; be of conducting; or non-conducting; or partially or semi conducting; material or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, one or more cathode parts, or one or more anode parts, or one or more support units, or the confinement, may additionally, optionally, simultaneously, or concurrently, or partially or wholly be surrounded or covered or enclosed or encircled with a conducting; or non-conducting; or partially or semi conducting; material or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, one or more cathode parts or one or more anode part additionally or optionally may comprise of a solid structure or a hollow structure.

In an embodiment of the invention, a conducting; or non-conducting; or partially or semi conducting; material may be placed with the anode part.

In an embodiment of the invention, the high power supply unit may include but is not limited to capacitor or bulk capacitor, or bank of capacitors, gas excitation or application high voltage potential or by application of time varying voltage also known as AC (alternating current) voltage or RF (radio frequency) energy or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the system may additionally or optionally be provided with a magnetic field generator for applying a constant or time varying magnetic field in varying directions. In an embodiment of the invention, the said magnetic field generator may comprise one or more current coil(s).

In an embodiment of the invention, the magnetic field generator may be placed at various distances or positions or locations from the systems of the invention. The said magnetic field generator may be placed either outside or inside the confinement or one or more separate coils may be optionally placed such that one is placed outside the confinement, while one or more coils are optionally placed inside the confinement. In an embodiment of the invention, magnetic field may be generated from various materials such as but not limited to coils; or solenoid; or permanent magnets; or electromagnets; of ferromagnetic or diamagnetic or paramagnetic substance or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, parts of the systems in accordance with the invention may be cooled by circulation of a cooling agent such as but not limited to air, water, nitrogen, hydrogen, freon, helium or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the systems and methods of the present invention may additionally or optionally have various applications that use radiation such as but not limited to applications in training equipment, non-destructive analysis, land mine detection, radiography, medical isotope production, power production, surface modification, nano- material creation, ion beam source, electron beam source, space propulsion, subcritical reactor, boron neutron capture therapy, source for ultra cold neutron source application, oil well logging, port luggage inspection, water prospecting on other planets, oil prospecting, semi conductor doping, etching, film deposition, activation of materials for various applications for example is activation of nuclear batteries that last a short duration and provide a burst of energy, changing the properties of materials for example changing properties of diamond, creating value added products or any combination thereof. Several other applications are possible and the suitability of the said invention for such applications can be easily determined by those skilled in the art.

The term "particles" which may be accelerated using one or more of the systems of the present invention may include but is not limited to molecules, atoms, negatively charged particles, positively charged particles, protons, electrons, neutrons, metastable particles, atomic nuclei, or any combination thereof.

The term "electrode" for the purpose of this invention may include but is not limited to a cathode part, an anode part, or any combination thereof. The term cathode part represents any part that is at relatively lower voltage compared to another electrode in the system.

The term anode part represents any part that is at relatively higher voltage compared to another electrode in the system.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude or rule out the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof.

The process steps, method steps, protocols, algorithms or the like may be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods, protocol and algorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously, in parallel, or concurrently.

In addition to the embodiments and examples shown, numerous variants are possible, which may be obvious to a person skilled in the art relating to the aspects of the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the component or the parts of the system may be coated, painted or colored with a suitable chemical to retain or improve its properties, or to improve the aesthetics or appearance.

In an embodiment of the invention, the components of the present invention may be connected or arranged by using any suitable method and may include without limitation use of one or more of welding, adhesives, riveting, fastening devices such as but not limited to screw, nut, bolt, hook, clamp, clip, buckle, nail, pin, ring. Furthermore, this invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" or "attached" or "fixed" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected or coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Furthermore, "connected" or "coupled" as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Figure 1 represents an example of the isometric view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts (101) with respect to anode parts (102) is shown. The said cathode parts (101) are placed radially with respect to each other surrounding the anode parts (102), wherein the said anode parts (102) are placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the said cathode parts (102). The said cathode parts comprise flat components. The said anode part optionally has a hole through the entire body. The tip of the said anode is cone shaped and its base is rounded.

Figure 2 represents an example of the longitudinal cross sectional view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts (101) with respect to anode parts (102) is shown. The said cathode parts (101) are placed radially with respect to each other surrounding the anode parts (102), wherein the said anode parts (102) are placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the said cathode parts (102). The said cathode parts comprise flat components. The said anode part optionally has a hole through at least some part of the anode. The tip of the said anode is cone shaped with optional rounded edges.

Figure 3 represents an example of the front view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts (201) with respect to anode parts (202) and an external assembly of support units (203) is shown. The said cathode parts (101) are placed radially with respect to each other surrounding the anode parts (102), wherein the said anode parts (102) are placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the said cathode parts (102). The said cathode parts comprise flat components. These flat components are fixed in the grooves of the partially segmented support units (203) making the whole arrangement stable.

Typically, the system comprises of support units, wherein the partially segmented support units may be slid over the flat components of the cathode part and fixed onto the cathode part to induce maximal stability.

Typically, the system comprises of support units, wherein the said support units also help in homogenizing the plasma sheath.

Typically, the system comprises of support units, wherein an assembly of support unit is made by extending the length of the support units up to one-third of the length of the cathode part, wherein this helps in quick and stable formation of plasma sheath thus giving an improved final pinch phase.

Typically, the system comprises of support units, wherein the external assembly of support units holds the cathode parts in position and provides support and keeps the cathode parts from moving radially or sideways.

Typically, the system comprises of support units, wherein the grooves in the support units may be straight, slanted or curved.

Typically, the system comprises of support units, wherein the cathode parts having a curved or slanted arrangement introduces a controlled amount of angular momentum into the filaments that form in the system. Such controlled angular momentum helps in the formation of good hot spots that eventually lead to better productivity.

Figure 4 represents an example of the longitudinal cross sectional view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts (201) with respect to anode parts (202) and the support unit (203) is shown. The said cathode parts (101) are placed radially with respect to each other surrounding the anode parts (102), wherein the said anode parts (102) are placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the said cathode parts (102). The said cathode parts comprise flat components. These flat components are fixed in the grooves of the support unit (203) making the whole arrangement stable.

Figure 5 represents an example of the transverse cross sectional view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts (201) with respect to anode parts (202) and the support unit (203) is shown. The said cathode parts (101) are placed radially with respect to each other surrounding the anode parts (102), wherein the said anode parts (102) are placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the said cathode parts (102). The said cathode parts comprise flat components. These flat components are fixed in the grooves of the support unit (203) making the whole arrangement stable.

Typically, the said system comprises an assembly of support units, wherein assembly of support units could be manufactured in segments from the same material or combinations of different materials or alloys.

Typically, the said system comprises support units, wherein segmenting the support units would allow the user to optimize the length of the support units by using different lengths and once optimized a fixed length support unit could be manufactured it would also allow the support unit to slide on to the cathode plates relatively easily.

Typically, the said system comprises internal assembly of support units, wherein internal assembly of support units may or may not be segmented depending on the final optimized design of the system.

Typically, the said system comprises support units, wherein the top most layer of support units of the external assembly of support units could be further profiled so as to channel the filaments towards the cathode part. Such profiling would involve making the surface taper towards the cathode part. Figure 6 represents an example of the isometric view of external assembly of the support unit (302) in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the said external assembly of the support unit has grooves (301) over it in which flat components of cathode parts can be fixed.

Figure 7 represents an example of the longitudinal cross sectional view of external assembly of the support unit (302) in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the said external assembly of the support unit has grooves (301) over it in which flat components of cathode parts can be fixed.

Figure 8 represents an example of the transverse cross sectional view of external assembly of the support unit (302) in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the said external assembly of the support unit has grooves (301) over it in which flat components of cathode parts can be fixed.

Figure 9 represents an example of the front view of an internal assembly of the support unit (401) after removing outer layer of the said internal assembly of the support unit (401) in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the said internal assembly of the support unit has grooves (402) over it in which flat components of cathode parts can be fixed.

Figure 10 represents example of an isometric view of an internal assembly of the support unit (401) in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the said internal assembly of the support unit has grooves (402) over it in which flat components of cathode parts can be fixed.

Figure 1 1 represents example of a side view of an internal assembly of the support unit (401) in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the said internal assembly of the support unit has grooves (402) over it in which flat components of cathode parts can be fixed.

Figure 12 represents an example of a bottom view of an internal assembly of the support unit (401) in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the said internal assembly of the support unit has grooves (402) over it in which flat components of cathode parts can be fixed. Figure 13 represents an example of an isometric view of a support unit in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the relative position of an external assembly of the support unit (501) and an internal assembly of the support unit (502) is shown.

Figure 14 represents an example of another isometric view of a support unit in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the relative position of an external assembly of the support unit (501) and an internal assembly of the support unit (502) is shown.

Figure 15 represents an example of a longitudinal cross sectional view of a support unit in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the relative position of an external assembly of the support unit (501) and an internal assembly of the support unit (502) is shown.

Figure 16 represents an example of an isometric view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts (601) with respect to anode parts (602) and a support unit (603) is placed on a surface (605) and a provision (604) to further fix the said arrangement to some other device is made.

Figure 17 represents an example of an isometric view of external assembly of the support unit in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the said external assembly of the support unit is made by compact arrangement (701) of one or more circular assembly of support unit (702 and 703) independently made from metal or metal alloys of same or different metals so that the height of the support unit can be optimized.

Figure 18 represents an example of a side view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein a flat component of a cathode part (801) with respect to an anode part (802) is placed on an external assembly of the support unit (803).

Figure 19 represents an example of a longitudinal cross sectional view of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein a flat component of a cathode part (801) with respect to an anode part (802) is placed on an external assembly of the support unit (803). Figure 20 represents an example of a diagrammatic representation of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein position of a flat component of a cathode part (901) with respect to an anode part (903) and the insulator (902) is shown. The outline of the cathode plate with respect to the anode cone is shown. There are several length variables LI, L2, L3... L20 and angle variables (Θ1 through Θ6) that can vary according to application and desired productivity from the device. The angles a and β formed by the imaginary line A (906) representing the axis of the electrode arrangement, line B (904) and line C (905) as shown in the figure 20, along with the said various length parameters (LI through LI 6) would determine the behavior of the various phases of the plasma sheath. The values of the said angles a and β can independently take suitable value between 0° and 180°. The optimum values of the said length (L1,..L20) and the said angle (Θ1..Θ6 and α,β) parameters can be determined experimentally by those skilled in the art.

Figure 21 and 22 represents an example of a diagrammatic representation of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the point of exit of the beam is when the plasma sheath collapses is illustrated. The outline of the radially placed flat components of the cathode part (1001) are so shaped and so arranged that a cone shaped hollow space (1005) is formed. The anode part forms a rounded tip at the wider base of the cone shaped hollow space, wherein the rounded tip of the anode allows a smooth transition of the filaments into the anode. Typically, electron beam moves towards the anode part (1002) and the ion beam moves away from the anode part (1002).

Figure 23 represents an example of a diagrammatic representation one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein position of a flat component of a cathode part (2001) with respect to an anode part (2003) and an insulator (2002) is shown. The said insulator (2002) is inserted partially into the said anode part (2003) as show in the figure 23.

Figure 24 represents an example of a diagrammatic representation of different types of contour surfaces of insulator in accordance with the present invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anode part in accordance to the present invention comprises of one or more anode components such as but not limited to flat components or flat anode components, central component or central anode component, segmented component or segmented anode component which may be of various shapes and sizes and may be optionally connected to one another.

Typically, the structures of the various anode components are designed such that one or more flat anode components may be arranged radially or in a squirrel cage arrangement, wherein the flat anode components may be fixed to partially or completely segmented other anode components to hold the radial or squirrel cage arrangement in place.

Typically, the radial arrangement or the squirrel cage arrangement of the flat anode components allow a smooth transition to the plasma sheath and a pathway for the trapped gases between the plasma sheath and the surface of the anode part to escape.

Typically, the flat anode components may have rounded or sharp or abrupt edges.

Typically, the flat anode components may be fixed or connected or held in place to the central anode component or segmented anode component or other anode components by various connecting devices such as but not limited to screw, rivet, pin, nail, fastener, bolt, wire, joint, or held in place by friction.

Figure 25 represents an example of a side view of an anode part in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the anode part does not contain any flat components and the entire anode part comprises of a single anode component.

Figure 26 represents an example of cross-section of side view of an anode part in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the anode part does not contain any flat components and the entire anode part comprises of a single anode component. There is an optional through hole in this anode.

Figure 27 represents an example of a side view of an anode part (5000) in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein grooves (5002) are provided to fix flat components of anode part. Figure 28 represents an example of a longitudinal cross sectional view of an anode part (5000) in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein grooves (5002) are provided to optionally allow gases to flow into at least some part of the hole within the anode.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anode part, in accordance with the systems of the present invention, may comprise flat anode components, wherein the flat anode components may be fixed to a central anode component in a squirrel cage conformation or flat anode components are placed radially with respect to one another.

Typically, said system comprises number of flat anode components and flat cathode components, wherein the number of flat anode components and flat cathode components may or may not be equal.

Typically, said system comprises number of flat anode components and flat cathode components should be at least two with no upper limit.

Typically, said system comprises flat anode components and flat cathode components, wherein the relative placement of the flat anode components and flat cathode components may or may not be aligned.

Figure 29 and 30 represents an example of a side view of an anode part (5000) in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein the anode part comprises of plurality of anode components comprising a central anode component (5001) and radially arranged flat components (5003), wherein the central anode component is separated partially into sections by grooves, (5002), wherein the flat anode components are arranged radially and fixed into the grooves of the central anode component (5001) of anode part (5000).

Figure 31 represents an example of a longitudinal cross sectional view of an anode part (5000) in one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein grooves (5002) in the central anode component is visible, which are provided to fix flat components (5003) of anode part (5003). The tip of the anode part (5000) is rounded and conical (5005). Optional groove(s) (5006) are provided for the placement of permanent magnets or electromagnets. In an embodiment of the invention, at least one permanent magnet may be placed within the anode cavity and/or within or around the cathode structure and/or within, inside or outside the confinement and/or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, the anode, the cathode or the confinement is made from ferromagnetic, paramagnetic or diamagnetic material.

Figure 32 represents an example of a side view of an anode part (6001) made from single piece anode component.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anode part when made up of single piece anode component, the anode part is more rigid and thus makes the design of the system robust.

Figure 33 represents an example of a side view of two anode components (6001a & 6001b), wherein plurality of such anode components are connected to one another and place at the central axis of the system, in accordance with the present invention, to make the anode part.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anode part when made up of plurality of anode components connected to one another may optionally allow gases to escape without affecting the plasma sheath flow velocity along the surface of the anode part.

Figure 34 represents an example of diagrammatic representation of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts (7001) with respect to anode parts (7002) is visible. An external assembly of the support units (7003) is also visible. An optionally insulated coil of wire (7004) is placed inside the hollow cavity of the said anode part (7002) to generate magnetic fields.

The core of the said coil of wire could be hollow or filled with ferromagnetic, paramagnetic or diamagnetic material. Figure 35 represents an example of diagrammatic representation of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts (7001) with respect to anode parts (7002) is visible. An external assembly of the support units (7003) is also visible. An optionally insulated coil of wire (7005) is placed around the said cathode part (7001) entwined around the said assembly of the support units (7003) placed outside the cathode (7001) to generate magnetic fields.

Figure 36 represents an example of diagrammatic representation of one of the embodiments of the invention, wherein an arrangement of cathode parts (7001) with respect to anode parts (7002) is visible. An external assembly of the support units (7003) is also visible. An optionally insulated coil of wire (7004) is placed inside the hollow cavity of the said anode part (7002) and an insulated coil of wire (7005) is placed around the said cathode part (7001) entwined around the said assembly of the support units (7003) placed outside the cathode(7001) to generate magnetic fields.

Typically, the energy generated using the systems and methods of the present invention is extracted in the form of ion beams, electron beams, x-rays and neutrons.

In an embodiment of the invention, the energy extracted in the form of x-rays may be extracted using photothermal converters. The shape of such thermo electric converters may be a cube with curved/smoothed edges or could have any shape including and other than a sphere. Energy can also be extracted from the x-rays using photo voltaics, and/or thermo electric converters.

In an embodiment of the invention, the energy extracted in the form of ion beams and electron beams may be converted using the direct energy converters. The heat deposited on the anode can be either removed using a coolant fluid or gas, with or without suspended particles in it. The heat from this fluid can be used to either run a turbine depending on the heat load or be used in combination with thermoelectric converters.

In an embodiment of the invention, the energy extracted in the form of neutrons may be extracted using water blankets around the device. The neutrons deposit their energy in the water as they are slowed down by the hydrogen nuclei when the neutrons collide with them; as the mass of a neutron and a proton are almost equal the momentum transfer (and hence the energy transfer) is the greatest.

The aim of this specification is to describe the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Person skilled in the relevant art may realize the variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention.

It may be appreciated that various other modifications and changes may be made to the embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, wherein the system comprises of,

a) at least one cathode part comprising of a flat component;

b) at least one anode part; and

c) at least one power supply unit;

wherein the said cathode parts are placed radially with respect to each other, substantially surrounding the anode parts and the said anode parts are placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the cathode parts.

2. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one anode part comprises of a flat component.

3. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, wherein the method comprises the steps of,

a) providing high voltage electricity, wherein the said electricity is supplied by a power supply unit;

b) generating a potential difference between at least one cathode part and at least one anode part;

c) ionizing particles between the said cathode part and said anode part; d) creating a plasma sheath between the cathode part and the anode part, the plasma sheath being a dense zone of ionized particles;

e) drifting of the said plasma sheath from one end to another end; and f) collapsing of the said plasma sheath at one end.

4. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said system additionally comprises of support units.

5. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the said support units comprise of sections separated partially or completely from one another by separations selected from a group comprising of slots, grooves, apertures, cuts, recess, slits, and any combination thereof.

6. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the said slots or grooves or apertures or cuts or recess or slits of the support units have various orientations selected from a group comprising of straight, slanted, curved, inclined, curvilinear, and any combination thereof.

7. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the support units associate together with each other to form an assembly of support units.

8. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 7, wherein the said assembly of support units is attached to at least one cathode part or at least one anode part, either externally, that is closer to the outer circumference of the system forming an external assembly of support units; or internally, that is closer to the central axis of the system forming an internal assembly of support units or both.

9. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein hollow core of the anode part contains at least one coil of wire.

10. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the coil of wire is placed around the external assembly of support units or the internal assembly of support units or within the assembly of support units.

1 1. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the coil of wire is insulated, or partially or wholly uninsulated.

12. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the support units are connected to the cathode part or the anode part or to another support unit or to another segment or section of the support unit by various connectors selected from a group comprising screw, rivet, pin, nail, fastener, bolt, wire, joint, and any combination thereof.

13. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the support units are of various shapes selected from or similar to, circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, n-sided polygonal where n = 3 to infinity, and any combination thereof.

14. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, the support units are segmented along the transverse or longitudinal axis.

15. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system is enclosed in a confinement.

16. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 15, wherein the confinement is filled with a fill gas.

17. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said cathode part, the said anode part, independently is of material selected from a group consisting conducting material, non-conducting material, and partially or semi conducting material.

18. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the said support units are of material selected from a group consisting conducting material, non-conducting material, and partially or semi conducting material.

19. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 15, wherein the said confinement are of material selected from a group consisting conducting material, non-conducting material, and partially or semi conducting material.

20. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the said cathode part, the said anode part, the said support units, independently consists of holes selected from a group consisting of holes, apertures, cavities, gaps, lacuna, perforation, vent, and any combination thereof.

21. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises at least one insulator, placed between the cathode part and anode part, or around cathode part, or around anode part.

22. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 15, wherein the system comprises at least one insulator, placed around the confinement, covering the confinement.

23. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said method comprises a step of placing the insulator between the cathode part and the anode part.

24. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 21, wherein the insulator has surface contours selected from smooth, regular, irregular, grained, wavy, serrated, wedged, teethed, and any combination thereof.

25. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said power supply unit supplies voltages, pulsed voltage, radio frequency signals selected from a group consisting in-phase, out-of-phase, delayed, without delay, modulated between multiple signals, offset signals and unmodulated between multiple signals.

26. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 21, wherein the surface contours of the insulator decrease the buildup of sputtered material on the insulator.

27. A method for assembling the system of electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles as claimed in claim 4, method comprising the steps of,

a) placing more than one cathode parts radially with respect to each other surrounding at least an anode part, wherein the said anode part is placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the said cathode parts;

b) connecting at least support units to at least cathode parts or at least anode parts or both;

c) fixing the support units to the cathode parts or the anode parts restricting movement of the cathode parts or the anode parts in a fixed direction; and d) connecting power supply unit to the cathode parts or anode parts or both.

28. A method for assembling the system of electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles as claimed in claim 1 , method comprising the steps of,

a) placing more than one cathode parts radially with respect to each other surrounding at least an anode part, wherein the said anode part is placed at the center of the radial arrangement of the said cathode parts; and

b) connecting power supply unit to the cathode parts or anode parts or both.

29. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cathode parts or the anode parts are physically or electrically connected to, or isolated from, one another.

30. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said method comprises a step and means of generating magnetic fields.

31. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the said anode part comprises a hollow cavity enclosed by at least one anode part.

32. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the said hollow chamber cavity enclosed by at least one anode part is a vacuum chamber.

33. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the said hollow chamber cavity enclosed by at least one anode part contain tube or rod or lamellate or loose filings of materials selected from ferromagnetic material, diamagnetic material, and paramagnetic material.

34. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said cathode parts and the anode parts are equal or unequal in number.

35. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said cathode parts and the anode parts are aligned or not aligned with reference to each other or central axis of the system.

36. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the said cathode parts and the anode parts and the confinement are of material selected from ferromagnetic material, diamagnetic material, and paramagnetic material.

37. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one coil of wire is placed around the confinement.

38. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 3, wherein a step of providing a coil of wire at positions selected from at the tip of the anode part, at the bottom of the anode part, covering at least some part of the cathode part, covering at least some part of the anode part, covering at least some part of the confinement, at some position inside or outside the confinement and any combination or position thereof.

39. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said method comprises a step of generating signals for use by said method, said signals being selected from a group of signal types consisting of pulse signal, steady state signal, unmodulated signals, modulated signals, modulated signals with multiple frequencies applicable to electrodes simultaneously, modulated signals with multiple frequencies applicable to electrodes separately, modulated signals with intermixed frequency signals, in phase signals, out of phase signals, pulse waveforms, waveforms applied to offset voltages, offset by different voltages (AC or DC), and any combination thereof.

40. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said method comprises the step of generating means RF signals for use by said method, said RF power being used is selected from unmodulated signals, modulated signals, modulated signals with multiple frequencies applicable to electrodes simultaneously, modulated signals with multiple frequencies applicable to electrodes separately, modulated signals with intermixed frequency signals, in phase signals, out of phase signals, pulse waveforms, waveforms applied to offset voltages, offset by different voltages (AC or DC), and any combination thereof.

41. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 38, wherein at least one coil could be used for generating low magnetic fields, at least one other coil could be used to pre-ionize the gases within the confinement to help homogenize the plasma sheath formation.

42. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said method comprises step of providing at least one anode part with positive voltage instead of grounding it and providing at least one cathode part with negative voltage instead of grounding it, in order to divide the voltage between two electrodes.

43. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said method comprises step of providing a confinement of ferromagnetic material, or paramagnetic material or diamagnetic material or annealed material, wherein the annealed material may or may not show magnetic properties.

44. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said method comprises step of generating means RF plasma and / or magnetic fields, using coil of wire, for use by said method, said coil of wire being embedded inside said confinement.

45. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said method comprises step of generating magnetic fields using a magnet selected form an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, and any combination thereof.

46. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 45, wherein said method comprises step of generating magnetic field by a permanent magnet that can be controlled by changing its position/location or distance from the system.

47. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 45, wherein said method comprises step of generating magnetic field by an electromagnet that can be controlled by changing the current flowing through the said electromagnets or by changing its position/location or distance from the system and any combination thereof.

48. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 45, wherein said method comprises step of cooling various parts/components of the system by passing cooling fluid through hollow tubes surrounding various parts/components of the system.

49. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 45, wherein said method comprises step of cooling various parts/components of the system by forced convection.

50. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein a typical 'Mather-type' system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles is used, wherein the rods of the cathode part is replaced with at least one cathode part containing one or more flat components.

51. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, a typical 'Filippov-type' system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles is used, wherein the rods of the cathode part is replaced with at least one cathode part containing one or more flat components.

52. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein an inner surface of an anode part forms an angle a with a continued conical surface of the said anode part and an inner conical surface of a flat component of a cathode part forms an angle β with the said inner surface of the said anode part, wherein values of the said angle a and the said angle β can independently be any suitable value between 0° to 90°.

53. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one cathode part or at least one anode part has a bent or curved structure protruding or projecting or over- hanging or obtruding towards the principal axis of the system.

54. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 53, wherein the protruding or projecting or over-hanging or obtruding end of the cathode part or the anode part is bent or curved at a certain angle to the principal axis of the system.

55. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 16, wherein "fill gas" for the purpose of this invention includes gases comprising air, Deuterium (D), Tritium(T), DT, D2, T₂, Helium, any molecule represented by the formula: CaH_bD_cTdAAeBBfCCgDD_hEEiFFjGG_kHHiII_mJJ_nKKoLLpMM_qN _rOO_sPP_tQQ_u v where C is carbon, D is deuterium, T is tritium, H is hydrogen, the symbols AA, BB, CC, DD, EE, FF, GG, HH, II, JJ, KK, LL, MM, NN, 00, PP, QQ, RR represent either same or different element(s) or their isotopes from the periodic table (for instance, AA could symbolically represent silicon, EE could represent fluorine and HH could once again represent fluorine (same element as EE) ΑΑ_εΕΕ;ΗΗι, when e = l, i = l, j = 3, with all the remaining terms being zero, the compound the stated formula represents is SiF4) that form a chemical bond with the remaining elements in the compound, with the small letters a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k,l,m,n,o,p,q,r,s,t,u,v are integers that take any value from 0 to 30 representing the number of atoms (to which it is a subscript, for instance a = 1, b = 0, c = 4, d..v = 0, represents CD₄, deuterated methane), the said compounds may be prepared using any other combination of isotopes of the said elements and could be mixtures of more than one gas each of the said components represented by the said formula or could be fine particles suspended in the fluid medium, and any combination thereof.

56. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, wherein support units are slid over the flat components of the cathode part and fixed onto the cathode part to induce maximal stability.

57. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, wherein an assembly of support unit is made by extending the length of the support units along the cathode part, wherein this helps in quick and stable formation of plasma sheath thus giving an improved final pinch phase.

58. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, wherein external assembly of support units holds the cathode parts in position and provides support and keeps the cathode parts from moving radially or sideways.

59. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, wherein cathode parts having a curved or slanted arrangement introduces a controlled amount of angular momentum into the filaments that form in the system, wherein angular momentum helps in the formation of good hot spots that eventually lead to better productivity.

60. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the top most layer of support units of the external assembly of support units could be further profiled so as to channel the filaments towards the cathode part, wherein such profiling would involve making the surface taper towards the cathode part.

61. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 2, wherein structures of the various anode components are designed such that flat anode components are arranged radially or in a squirrel cage arrangement.

62. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 2, wherein flat anode components may be fixed or connected or held in place to a central anode component or segmented anode component or other anode components by various connecting devices selected from screw, rivet, pin, nail, fastener, bolt, wire, joint, adhesive or held in place by friction.

63. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anode part when made up of single piece anode component, so that anode part is more rigid and thus makes the design of the system robust.

64. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein anode part made up of plurality of anode components connected to one another to optionally allow gases to escape along the surface of the anode part.

65. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said system generates ion beams, electron beams, x-rays, neutrons, and combination thereof.

66. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said method comprises a step of placing the insulator close to the or the cathode part or both.

67. A method for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 3, wherein said method comprises a step of placing the insulator partially inserted around the anode up to a certain length, that is less than the length of the anode, such that covering only the tip of the insulator and exposing the surface of the insulator to the plasma sheath.

68. A system for electromagnetic acceleration or compression of particles, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said cathode parts or the said anode parts could optionally be made from rods that have same or variable cross-section(s) along the length that is a polygon with 'n' sides, where n = 3 to infinity.