Erskine John Burns

Title: Erskine John Burns and His Ion-Source Invention.

Introduction

Erskine John Burns is an inventor associated with Albuquerque, New Mexico. His recorded patent describes an ion source designed to generate hydrogen ions with high atomic purity.

Latest Patents

Burns is credited with 1 patent: “Solenoid and Monocusp Ion Source.” The invention uses solenoidal permanent magnets to lengthen the path traveled by electrons inside a sealed envelope. Electrons emitted from a cathode move along the magnetic field lines and interact with gas, forming plasma. An anode lies near the plasma’s outer boundary. The arrangement helps keep molecular ions and high-energy electrons mainly on the cathode side of a magnetic cusp, while collisions on the aperture side promote the formation of atomic ions. The longer electron path enables a smaller device diameter and lower operating pressures.

Career Highlights

The patent lists The United States of America as Represented by the United States as the assignee. The invention’s design focuses on improving ion-source performance through magnetic-field configuration and increased electron travel distance.

Collaborations

John P. Brainard and Charles Hadley Draper are identified as Burns’s coworkers.

Conclusion

Erskine John Burns’s patented ion-source design combines solenoidal and monocusp magnetic fields to support efficient production of high-purity hydrogen ions in a compact device.