Rational nano-coulomb ionization

Abstract

An ion pulse generator includes a triboelectric generator, an ion emitter and a conductive surface. The triboelectric generator includes a first electrode, a spaced apart second electrode and a first triboelectric layer. The triboelectric generator generates a predetermined amount of charge as a result of relative movement of the first triboelectric layer. The ion emitter is electrically coupled to the first electrode. The conductive surface is electrically coupled to the second electrode and is spaced apart from the ion emitter at a predetermined distance. Generation of the predetermined amount of charge causes formation of ions between the ion emitter and the conductive surface.