psupine wrote: Is there any reason why the sides of the anode have to be parallel? I understand that the cathodes in the cage have to be parallel to the anode surface, but what would happen if the whole thing was kind of conical? One thing is that it would allow more surface area and more internal plumbing volume but still let the business end stay on a tight radius? Or would the conical shape do something nasty to the plasma run down?
The patent allows for all sorts of shapes or profiles, and there are supposedly some advantages to a narrowing taper towards the tip.
