Electrodynamic Containment of Charged Particles by Three-Phase Voltages

Abstract

The containment of charged particles within an axially symmetric electrode structure by alternating electric fields has recently been described (J. Appl. Phys 30, 342(1959)). This system has the inherent geometrical property that the average focusing force along the axis of symmetry is twice as great as the average restoring force in the equatorial plane. A configuration is discussed which produces cubic symmetry by the application of three-phase voltages rather than the axial symmetry obtained with single-phase excitation. This arrangement offers advantages in simplicity or construction, optical illumination and observation, irradiation of contained dust particles by electron and ion beams, mass injection, and the application of auxillary fields. (A.C.)