Method and apparatus for magnetically guiding neutral particles
US6657188B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05H3/04
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Neutral particles, such as atoms and molecules, transported along a path having at least one curved region are selectively conveyed or filtered according to each particle's velocity by generating an inhomogeneous magnetic field across a cross-section of the path. The neutral particles may be transported through a physical tube or simply through the region defined by the magnetic field. The path may have more than one curved region and may additionally have one or more straight regions. The magnetic field may be generated for example by homogeneously or inhomogeneously magnetized permanent magnets or by current carrying elements. The magnetic elements may additionally be used in conjunction with at least one piece of a high permeability magnetic material for focussing or containing the magnetic field.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.