Plasma Generator for Controlled Enhancement of the Ionosphere

ABSTRACT: The proposed program is a joint effort between General Sciences, Inc. (GSI) and Drexel University. The proposed concept for Plasma Generation is based on the use of highly exothermic condensed phase reactions yielding temperatures considerably higher than the boiling points of candidate metal elements with residual energy to maximize their vapor yield and, with high probability to enter associative ionization (chemi-ionization) reactions with atmospheric oxygen. In addition to exploiting thermo-chemistry and ionization kinetics for maximum metal vapor and respective plasma yields, hardware development will also be pursued. Such hardware will provide for controlled release options such as conventional point release, as well as extended in time and space. The effort will be based on key experiments in several vacuum systems and analysis in order to downselect the best candidates for further development. ; BENEFIT: New ways of communication will become available to DOD with significant benefits to the defense of the Country. Commercial applications could involve use of plasma enhancement in Magneto-Hydrodynamics (MHD) power generation and perhaps in other current industrial processes.