Inventors:
Lewis Friedman - Patchogue NY
Robert J. Beuhler - Patchogue NY
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC
International Classification:
G21B 102
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for the production of cluster ions, and preferably isotopic hydrogen cluster ions is disclosed. A gas, preferably comprising a carrier gas and a substrate gas, is cooled to about its boiling point and expanded through a supersonic nozzle into a region maintained at a low pressure. Means are provided for the generation of a plasma in the gas before or just as it enters the nozzle.