Method and apparatus for separation of ions from a plasma

An efficient crossed-field MHD acceleration system is disclosed for separating ions from a plasma with reduced effect from the usual impairing factors associated with the plasma. In implementing this system a plurality of ion separation chambers are provided to receive a radially expanding flow of uranium vapor which is selectively ionized to create a plasma within each chamber. The chambers are operative to apply to the plasma orthogonal electric and magnetic fields to impart a motion to the ions which drives them to separate collecting surfaces out of the expanding flow. The fields are applied in a configuration which reduces skin effect problems, provides a high driving point impedance for the electric field with a consequent reduction in current and avoids the generation of extraneous Hall voltage problems