A novel ionizer design With both DC and AC high voltage bias

An ionizer using both DC and AC high voltage was designed and built. DC voltage of around plusmn3 kilovolts is applied on the emitters. Ion production is achieved by placing a tungsten rod driven by high voltage AC near the emitters to create the intense electric field. Experiments were performed to characterize the ionizer in terms of discharge time, ion balance, and ion balance stability. Results show discharge times of less than 3 seconds and stable ion balance within plusmn10 volts at 30 cm distance.