Method and apparatus for extracting ions from a partially ionized plasma using a magnetic field gradient

Ions, typically resulting from selective ionization of one isotope type in a plasma of plural isotope types are accelerated apart from other plasma particles by the application of a magnetic field having a gradient in a direction to which the particles are to be accelerated. The magnetic field strength is controlled to provide adiabatic conditions of motion for at least the plasma electrons to cause their acceleration toward regions of lower field strength where collection surfaces are placed. The use of a magnetic field alone for ion extraction permits placement of the extraction means outside of the corrosive plasma environment. (author)