System and method for enhanced ion pump lifespan
US10262845B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J41/18
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Within an ion pump, accelerated ions leave the center portion of an anode tube due to the anode tube symmetry and the generally symmetrical electric fields present. The apparent symmetry within the anode tube may be altered by making the anode tube longitudinally segmented and applying independent voltages to each segment. The voltages on two adjacent segments may be time varying at different rates to achieve a rasterizing process. In various embodiments, one or more wire internal to the anode structure and having a time-varying electric potential may alter the trajectory of the ions leaving the anode tube, as may the shape of the anode near the ends of the anode tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.