Importance

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Abstract

A high pulse repetition rate (PRF) plasma gun is provided which gun inlets a selected propellant gas into a column formed between a center electrode and a coaxial outer electrode, utilizes a solid state high repetition rate pulse driver to provide a voltage across the electrodes and provides a plasma initiator at the base of the column, which is normally operative when the driver is fully charged. The plasma expands from the base end of the column and off the exit end thereof. When used as a thruster, for example in space applications, the driver voltage and electrode lengths are selected such that the plasma for each pulse exits the column at approximately the same time the voltage across the electrode reaches zero, thereby maximizing the thrust. When used as a radiation source, and in particular a source for radiation in the EUV band, the voltage and electrode length are selected such that the plasma exits the column when the current is maximum, which occur when the driver is roughly half discharged. The plasma is magnetically pinched as it exits the column, thereby raising the plasma temperature to provide thermal radiation at desired wavelengths. The plasma gun parameters can be selected to achieve a desired wavelength within the EUV band. The plasma gun of this invention, which is capable of operating at PRF in the range of approximately 100 Hz to in excess of 5,000 Hz, may also be used in other applications, and in particular in applications where low pressure near-vacuum environments are possible.

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First Claim