Abstract:
A plasma switch comprising a substantially evacuated chamber, a generally tubular cathode disposed within the chamber, an elongated anode disposed concentrically within and projecting from the opposite ends of the cathode, the opposite ends of the cathode being substantially closed by an electrically conductive end plates, at least one of such end plates being electrically insulated from the cathode and from the anode, and circuit means for selectively connecting such end plate to the anode or to the cathode.
Abstract:
The present invention is drawn to an antenna having a reconfigurable length, and a method of reconfiguring an antenna. The antenna can comprise an enclosed composition capable of forming plasma operable as an antenna; an energy source configured for applying variable energy levels to the composition to thereby form variable plasma configurations; and an enclosure containing the composition. The enclosure can have a proximal end, wherein upon application of a first energy level to the composition, a first plasma length with respect to the proximal end is formed, and upon application of a second energy level to the composition, a second plasma length with respect to the proximal end is formed.
Abstract:
The surface of a web or film is modified to impart the material with improved properties including wettability, printability, adhesion and static reduction. Such surface modification is achieved with an electrode structure which causes a filamentary discharge to pass generally horizontally across a surface of the electrode structure. A substrate to be treated is then positioned adjacent to the surface of the electrode structure so that the filamentary discharge is caused to flow horizontally across the surface of the substrate, in turn modifying the surface of the substrate and achieving the desired improvement in properties.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for generating microwave radiation includes a cathode, comprising parallel side wall means, a first end wall and a second end wall parallel to the first end wall, which defines a space. An aperture is defined within each of the end walls. An elongated anode extends across the defined space and outwardly through the apertures. Free electrons are generated adjacent to the anode and a positive potential is applied between the cathode and the anode. Electrons are trapped in a surrounding relation with the anode and microwave radiation is generated. In an alternate embodiment, a pair of spaced-apart radial steps in the radius of the anode is used to replace the first and second end walls to form electrostatic mirrors for confining free electrons therebetween.
Abstract:
A plasma device having low thermal noise, which results in a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the plasma device. The plasma device includes devices with a plasma that is responsive to electromagnetic radiation and/or electrical signals. In various configurations, the plasma device has a plasma in which the temperature, resistance, pressure, and/or collision frequency are at a level sufficiently low to produce an acceptable level of noise. In another configuration, the operating frequency of the plasma device is at a level sufficiently high to produce an acceptable level of noise. Decreasing the noise level results in increasing the signal-to-noise ratio and increasing the data rate. The plasma temperature is reduced by operating the plasma device in the afterglow state. The plasma electron temperature is reduced by confining high energy electrons in a potential well and by using an electron emitting filament.
Abstract:
An antenna element comprising at least two conductive elements, and a fluid (e.g., gas or vapor) filled bulb or tube positioned between the conductive elements is provided. The fluid is capable of ionization such that when the fluid in the bulb or tube is energized, the conductive elements electrically communicate with one another, and when the fluid is not energized, the conductive elements do not electrically communicate with one another.
Abstract:
An antenna system for receiving electromagnetic waves of predetermined frequency range is disclosed comprising an antenna configured for receiving electromagnetic waves; and a plasma filter configured for reflecting a first electromagnetic frequency emitted from a remote source, while at the same time passing a second electromagnetic frequency, such that one of the first electromagnetic frequency and the second electromagnetic frequency is received by the antenna. The electromagnetic wave filter can comprise a power medium positioned with respect to a region of space; a composition disposed within the region of space for forming a plasma; an energy source electromagnetically coupled to the power medium such that a plasma may be formed in the region of space; and a control mechanism for varying plasma density within the region of space, wherein the plasma density will reflect a first electromagnetic frequency emitted from a remote source, while at the same time passing a second electromagnetic frequency.
Abstract:
Phase shifting plasma electromagnetic waveguides and plasma electromagnetic coaxial waveguides, as well as plasma waveguide horn antennas, each of which can be reconfigurable, durable, stealth, and flexible are disclosed. Optionally, an energy modifying medium to reconfigure the waveguide such that electromagnetic waves of various wavelengths or speeds can be propagated directionally along the path can be used. Similarly, these waveguides may be modified into coaxial configurations.
Abstract:
The present invention is drawn toward plasma electromagnetic waveguides and plasma electromagnetic coaxial waveguides that are reconfigurable, durable, stealth, and flexible. Specifically, the present invention discloses and describes a reconfigurable electromagnetic waveguide comprised of a) an elongated non-conductive enclosure defining a propagation path for directional electromagnetic wave propagation; b) a composition contained within the enclosure capable of forming a plasma, said plasma having a skin depth along a surface within the enclosure such that the electromagnetic waves penetrate the skin depth and are primarily propagated directionally along the path; and c) an energy source to form the plasma. Optionally, an energy modifying medium to reconfigure the waveguide such that electromagnetic waves of various wavelengths may be propagated directionally along the path may be used. Similarly, these waveguides may be modified into coaxial configurations.
Abstract:
An electromagnetic pump and generator apparatus for electrically conductive fluids includes a conduit for containing the conductive fluid and apertures in the sides of the conduit. A fluid circuit is defined outside the conduit for containing a quantity of the conducting fluid and is configured so that the conducting fluid in the circuit is in fluid communication with the conducting fluid in the conduit. When used as a pump, a magnet produces a magnetic field across the conduit between the apertures and a device is employed to produce an electric current in the conducting fluid in the fluid circuit. Current in the conducting fluid in the fluid circuit flow across the conduit through the conducting fluid contained therein between the apertures. The current flowing across the conduit together with the magnetic field imparts a force on the conducting fluid in the conduit causing the fluid to be pumped. Conducting fluid in the fluid circuit is essentially static and functions primarily as a means for conducting current to and from the fluid in the conduit eliminating the need for solid electrodes.