Particle source, particle generation method, and particle accelerator

Abstract

The present invention discloses a particle source, a particle generation method and a particle accelerator. The particle source includes an anode, a cathode, a containing cavity, an intake pipe connecting rod and a driving assembly; the connecting rod is used to supply power to the cathode, and one end of the connecting rod adjacent to the anode is connected to the cathode and can drive the cathode to move synchronously; the containing cavity is used to accommodate at least part of the cathode, at least part of the connecting rod and is at least partially located between the cathode and the anode; the intake pipe is used to input gas into the containing cavity; the driving assembly is connected to the connecting rod and is used to drive the connecting rod to move along the extending direction of the cathode based on the change of the ionization energy of the gas, so as to adjust the relative position between the anode and the cathode. The particle source, the particle generation method and the particle accelerator of the present invention are used to improve the compatibility of the particle source and enhance the ionization efficiency of the gas, and are applicable to gases with a variety of different ionization energies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of accelerators, and particularly to a particle source, a particle generation method, and a particle accelerator. Background Art

[0002] A particle accelerator is a device for generating high-energy particle beams. The high-energy particle beams generated by the particle accelerator can be used in the medical field to treat diseases such as tumors. A main component in the particle accelerator is a particle source, which is used to ionize gas to strip one or more electrons from stable neutral atoms or molecules and form positive ions. The ions are accelerated in the particle accelerator to generate high-energy particle beams.

[0003] The gases used for ionization in the particle source include helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, etc. Among them, the ionization energy of helium is about 24.6 eV, the ionization energy of hydrogen is about 15.4 eV, and the ionization energy of nitrogen is about 15.6 eV. The ionization energies of different gases are different and may vary greatly.

[0004] The existing particle sources do not fully consider the differences between different gases and do not take into account the differences in ionization energies of different gases. There may be situations where the ionization efficiency is low or ionization cannot occur, resulting in the generated particles not meeting the expectations. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the existing particle sources. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a particle source, a particle generation method, and a particle accelerator, which are used to improve the compatibility of the particle source and enhance the ionization efficiency of gases, and are applicable to a variety of gases with different ionization energies.

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is achieved by adopting the following technical solutions:

[0007] A particle source, comprising:

[0008] An anode, arranged above the center of the particle accelerator;

[0009] A cathode, spaced apart from the anode and at least partially located within the anode, the cathode being used to generate electrons;

[0010] A connecting rod, used to supply power to the cathode. The end of the connecting rod adjacent to the anode is connected to the cathode, and can drive the cathode to move synchronously along the axial direction of the connecting rod before the cathode is energized;

[0011] A receiving cavity, used to accommodate at least part of the cathode, at least part of the connecting rod, and at least part of it is located between the cathode and the anode;

[0012] An intake pipeline, used to input gas into the receiving cavity, and the gas is used to collide with the electrons to ionize and generate particles;

[0013] A driving component, connected to the end of the connecting rod away from the anode and used to drive the connecting rod to move along the extending direction of the cathode based on the change in the ionization energy of the gas, so as to adjust the relative position between the anode and the cathode relative to the change in the ionization energy of the gas and keep the cathode and the anode from contacting each other.

[0014] Preferably, the driving component includes a latch and a moving unit connected to the latch and used to drive the latch to move; the latch is fixedly connected to the connecting rod to drive the connecting rod to move synchronously.

[0015] Preferably, the moving unit includes an electric driving member for connecting to the latch and driving the latch to move, and a sliding rail member for slidingly connecting to the latch, and the electric driving member and the sliding rail member are arranged at opposite ends of the latch;

[0016] And / or, the particle source further includes a power supply module, and the power supply module is electrically connected to the electric driving member.

[0017] Preferably, the sliding rail member includes a body portion and a sliding piece, the body portion is provided with a sliding groove and a pair of stop portions, the pair of stop portions are distributed at opposite ends of the sliding groove, the sliding piece is fixedly connected to the latch, and the sliding piece is installed in the sliding groove and can slide along the sliding groove, and the stop portion is used to block the movement of the sliding piece.

[0018] Preferably, the electric driving member includes a position detection module for detecting the displacement amount of the electric driving member driving the latch to move;

[0019] Or, the sliding rail member is provided with a position detection member, the sliding piece is connected to the position detection member so that the position detection member can measure the displacement of the sliding piece, and the position detection member is electrically connected to the power supply module.

[0020] Preferably, the moving unit includes a pair of electric driving members, and the pair of electric driving members are distributed at opposite ends of the latch and are respectively connected to the latch.

[0021] Preferably, the latch is an annular latch, and the latch is press-fitted on the connecting rod;

[0022] And / or, the particle source further includes a power supply module, and the connecting rod is electrically connected to the power supply module so that the power supply module can supply power to the cathode through the connecting rod.

[0023] Preferably, a remote control system is further included, and the remote control system is connected to the driving component and / or the power supply module to control the moving amount of the driving component driving the latch.

[0024] Preferably, the intake pipeline includes a plurality of branch pipelines communicating with the accommodating cavity, and each of the branch pipelines is respectively used for supplying gas to the accommodating cavity.

[0025] A particle generation method is applied to the particle source of any one of the above. The particle generation method includes:

[0026] Supply gas into the accommodating cavity, and judge the distance that the cathode needs to protrude from the anode according to the type of the gas;

[0027] The driving component controls the movement of the cathode so that the cathode reaches the required distance protruding from the anode;

[0028] Supply power to the cathode, and the gas located in the accommodating cavity is ionized to generate particles;

[0029] Wherein, the part of the cathode protruding from the anode is received in the accommodating cavity.

[0030] Preferably, the "judging the distance that the cathode needs to protrude from the anode according to the type of the gas" specifically includes:

[0031] Pre-store the lengths that the cathode needs to protrude from the anode corresponding to various gas types in the remote control system; match the length that the cathode needs to protrude from the anode through the gas type supplied in the accommodating cavity.

[0032] Preferably, the "the driving component controls the movement of the cathode" specifically includes:

[0033] The driving component includes an electric driving member for driving the movement of the cathode, and obtains the actual movement amount of the cathode through the position detecting member and / or the position feedback module of the electric driving member to judge whether the cathode moves to the required position.

[0034] A particle accelerator includes the particle source of any one of the above.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention at least include:

[0036] The cathode is driven by a driving component and a connecting rod to change the relative position between the cathode and the anode, so as to change the electric field strength and distribution pattern within the particle source; by changing the relative position between the cathode and the anode, the particle source can be used to ionize different types of gases, improving the compatibility of the particle source and the ionization efficiency when the particle source ionizes gases. The relative position between the anode and the cathode is adjusted according to the change in the ionization energy of the gas, that is, the distance between the cathode and the anode is adjusted correspondingly according to the magnitude of the gas ionization energy. Specifically, for a gas with a relatively low ionization energy such as hydrogen, the exposed length of the cathode needs to be relatively short. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the connecting rod to move away from the anode, which can achieve the purpose of saving the cathode material tungsten wire. On the contrary, for a gas with a relatively high ionization energy such as helium, the exposed length of the cathode needs to be relatively long. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the connecting rod to move closer to the anode to achieve a larger contact area between electrons and the gas and improve the ionization efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the particle source according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the slide rail member according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the particle source according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the particle source according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the particle accelerator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] In the figure: 1, anode; 2, cathode; 3, connecting rod; 4, driving component; 41, latch; 42, moving unit; 421, electric driving component; 422, slide rail member; 4221, body part; 4222, sliding groove; 4223, stop part; 4224, sliding piece; 4225, position detecting component; 5, power supply module; 6, intake pipeline; 61, branch pipeline; 7, accommodating cavity; particle source 100; particle accelerator 200. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this invention will be more complete and comprehensive, and will fully convey the concept of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. Identical reference numerals in the figures denote identical or similar structures, and thus their repetitive description will be omitted.

[0044] The words describing the expression position and direction in the present invention are all illustrated by taking the attached drawings as examples, but can also be changed according to needs, and all the changes made are included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0045] Embodiment 1

[0046] Referring to Figure 1 , the present invention provides a particle source 100, which is used to ionize gas to strip one or more electrons from stable neutral atoms or molecules. The particle source includes an anode 1, a cathode 2, a connecting rod 3 connected to the cathode 2, and a driving component 4 for driving the connecting rod 3 to move. In addition, the particle source may further include a power supply module 5 for connecting the connecting rod 3 and the driving component 4, an intake pipeline 6 for introducing gas, and a containing cavity 7. Among them, the anode 1 is disposed above the center of the particle accelerator 200. The anode 1 can be a housing, and the anode 1 is grounded and has a potential of 0. The cathode 2 is used to generate electrons. The cathode 2 is disposed at an interval from the anode 1, and at least a part of the cathode 2 is located inside the anode 1. Specifically, the cathode 2 can be a filament. The cathode 2 can be directly or indirectly electrically connected to the power supply module 5. The cathode 2 includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other along the extending direction of the cathode 2. The first end of the cathode 2 is disposed inside the anode 1, and the second end of the cathode 2 is not disposed inside the anode 1 but protrudes out of the anode 1 and is exposed. The protrusion out of the anode 1 means extending out of the anode 1.

[0047] One end of the connecting rod 3 away from the anode 1 can be electrically connected to the power supply module 5, and one end of the connecting rod 3 adjacent to the anode 1 can be electrically connected to the cathode 2. The connecting rod 3 is a rod body capable of conducting electricity, so that the power supply module 5 can supply power to the cathode 2 through the connecting rod 3. For example, the connecting rod 3 can be a conductive metal rod body or other rod body structures capable of conducting electricity. Specifically, the connecting rod 3 can be a wire rod. Among them, the connecting rod 3 and the power supply module 5 can be connected by a wire to achieve the electrical connection between the connecting rod 3 and the power supply module 5. And a containing cavity for accommodating the end of the connecting rod 3 is formed inside the power supply module 5. The containing cavity extends along the moving direction of the connecting rod 3, and the connecting rod 3 can move inside the containing cavity so that the connecting rod 3 will not interfere with the internal components of the power supply module 5 when moving. The connecting rod 3 and the cathode 2 can be directly in contact or connected by a wire to achieve the electrical connection between the connecting rod 3 and the cathode 2. And the connecting rod 3 and the cathode 2 are relatively fixed by means of clamping, bonding, connecting with a fixing member, etc., so that the connecting rod 3 can drive the cathode 2 to move synchronously when moving.

[0048] The driving component 4 is used to drive the connecting rod 3 to move. Specifically, the driving component 4 is connected to one end of the connecting rod 3 away from the anode 1 and drives the connecting rod 3 to move along the extending direction of the cathode 2 based on the change in the ionization energy of the gas provided by the intake pipeline 6.

[0049] When the driving component 4 drives the connecting rod 3 to move, the cathode 2 connected to the connecting rod 3 will move synchronously to change the exposed length of the cathode 2 and at the same time change the relative position between the cathode 2 and the anode 1. Furthermore, the relative position between the cathode 2 and the anode 1 can be adjusted following the change in the ionization energy of the gas and the cathode 2 and the anode 1 are kept from contacting each other. The relative position can include the relative distance. Wherein, the axial direction of the connecting rod 3 can be parallel to the moving direction required by the cathode 2. The driving component 4 drives the connecting rod 3 to move along the axial direction of the connecting rod 3, and the connecting rod 3 drives the cathode 2 to move along the axial direction of the connecting rod 3 so as to change the relative position between the cathode 2 and the anode 1. When the relative position between the cathode 2 and the anode 1 changes, the electric field intensity and distribution pattern in the particle source will change. The change in the relative position between the cathode 2 and the anode 1 not only affects the acceleration path and speed of electrons in the electric field, but also directly relates to the collision frequency and energy transfer efficiency between electrons and neutral gas molecules, thereby affecting the movement trajectory and energy state of electrons and ultimately affecting the generation quantity, rate, etc. of ions. Therefore, by changing the relative position between the cathode 2 and the anode 1, for example, by changing the exposed length of the cathode 2, it can be applied to the ionization of gases with different ionization energies. Specifically, when it is necessary to ionize gases with a relatively high ionization energy such as helium, the position of the cathode 2 can be adjusted by the driving component 4 to increase the exposed length of the cathode 2, so that the cathode 2 has a more appropriate discharge distance and electric field distribution to ensure sufficient electron energy for ionization, so as to fully stimulate the ionization process and improve the ionization efficiency. When ionizing gases with a relatively low ionization energy such as nitrogen and hydrogen, the position of the cathode 2 can be adjusted by the driving component 4 to reduce the length of the exposed part of the cathode 2 for generating electrons, so that the cathode 2 has a more appropriate discharge distance. Among them, the adjustment of the position between the cathode 2 and the anode 1 can be carried out before the cathode 2 is energized. After the position adjustment between the cathode 2 and the anode 1 is completed, the cathode 2 can be energized and the particle source can be started to work to generate the required particles.

[0050] Adjust the relative position of the anode 1 and the cathode 2 according to the change in the ionization energy of the gas, that is, adjust the distance between the cathode 2 and the anode 1 corresponding to the magnitude of the gas ionization energy. Specifically, for a gas with a relatively small ionization energy, such as hydrogen, the exposed length of the cathode needs to be relatively short. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the connecting rod to move away from the anode, which can achieve the purpose of saving the cathode material tungsten wire. On the contrary, for a gas with a relatively large ionization energy, such as helium, the exposed length of the cathode needs to be relatively long. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the connecting rod to move closer to the anode to achieve a larger contact area between the electrons and the gas and improve the ionization efficiency. The change in the ionization energy of the gas refers to different ionization energies corresponding to different gases. When one gas is replaced by another gas, the ionization energy of the other gas changes relative to that of the first gas. For example, when hydrogen with a relatively small ionization energy is replaced by helium with a relatively large ionization energy, the ionization energy of the gas increases. The length of the exposed or protruding cathode refers to the length of the part of the cathode that is exposed inside the anode and can contact the gas.

[0051] In some specific embodiments, the driving assembly 4 may include a latch 41 and a moving unit 42. The latch 41 is used for fixedly connecting with the connecting rod 3 so that the latch 41 can move synchronously with the connecting rod 3. Specifically, the latch 41 can be sleeved on the connecting rod 3 and form an interference fit with the connecting rod 3 so that the latch 41 is fixedly connected with the connecting rod 3. Among them, the latch 41 can be an annular latch 41. The latch 41 can be prepared from a material with high temperature resistance and good insulation. For example, the latch 41 is prepared from a plastic with high temperature resistance and high insulation. The latch 41 made of an insulating material can prevent the connecting rod 3 from being electrically connected to the electric driving member 421 through the latch 41 and thus affecting the operation of the electric driving member 421.

[0052] In this embodiment, the moving unit 42 may include an electric driving member 421 and a slide rail member 422. The electric driving member 421 is electrically connected to the power supply module 5, and the electric driving member 421 is also connected to the latch 41. The electric driving member 421 can be used to drive the latch 41 to move along the moving direction of the connecting rod 3 to drive the connecting rod 3 connected to the latch 41 to move, thereby realizing the adjustment of the relative position between the cathode 2 and the anode 1. Among them, the driving end of the electric driving member 421 can be fixedly connected to the latch 41 by fixing methods such as clamping, bonding, and threaded connection. When the electric driving member 421 is powered on, the driving end of the electric driving member 421 moves and then drives the latch 41 to move. The electric driving member 421 can be a motor; preferably, the electric driving member 421 can specifically be a non-magnetic piezoelectric stepping motor, which can be not affected or basically not affected by the magnetic field and is suitable for the strong magnetic working environment inside the accelerator.

[0053] Refer to Figure 2, the slide rail member 422 is used for sliding connection with the latch 41. The slide rail member 422 and the electric drive member 421 are distributed on opposite sides of the latch 41 to improve the smoothness of the movement of the latch 41. The slide rail member 422 may include a main body portion 4221 and a sliding piece 4224. A sliding groove 4222 is formed in the main body portion 4221, and the extending direction of the sliding groove 4222 is parallel to the moving direction of the connecting rod 3. The sliding piece 4224 may be installed in the sliding groove 4222 and can slide along the extending direction of the sliding groove 4222. The sliding piece 4224 is also connected to the latch 41 and can move synchronously with the latch 41. Specifically, the sliding piece 4224 and the latch 41 can be fixedly connected to the latch 41 through fixing methods such as clamping, bonding, and threaded connection, so that the sliding piece 4224 and the latch 41 can move synchronously.

[0054] As a preferred embodiment, a pair of stop portions 4223 are further provided on the main body portion 4221, and the pair of stop portions 4223 are distributed at opposite ends of the sliding groove 4222. The stop portion 4223 can be located on the moving path of the sliding piece 4224, so that the sliding piece 4224 can be stopped by the stop portion 4223 during the movement to limit the further movement of the sliding piece 4224. The sliding piece 4224 is restricted by the pair of stop portions 4223 and slides between the pair of stop portions 4223 to realize the restriction of the sliding path of the sliding piece 4224. Among them, the stop portion 4223 can specifically be a convex block.

[0055] In some specific embodiments, a position detection member 4225 is further provided on the slide rail member 422. The position detection member 4225 is connected to the sliding piece 4224 and is used to detect the displacement of the sliding piece 4224. Since the sliding piece 4224, the latch 41, the connecting rod 3, and the cathode 2 all move synchronously, the displacement of the cathode 2 can be detected by detecting the displacement of the sliding piece 4224. Among them, the position detection member 4225 can be electrically connected to the power supply module 5 so that the power supply module 5 can supply power to the position detection member 4225. The position detection member 4225 can specifically be a potentiometer. The potentiometer may include a probe and a resistance film. The probe is installed on the sliding piece 4224 and contacts the resistance film. The probe will move with the sliding piece 4224 and change the contact position with the resistance film. The potentiometer judges the displacement amount of the sliding piece 4224 and the cathode 2 through different electrical signals generated by the change of the contact position between the probe and the resistance film.

[0056] In some specific embodiments, the particle source further includes a remote control system. The remote control system can be signal-connected to the power supply module 5. Specifically, the remote control system can control the power supply module 5 to supply power to the electric drive member 421, so that the electric drive member 421 can drive the connecting rod 3 to move, or the remote control system can control the power supply module 5 to cut off the power supply to the electric drive member 421, so that the electric drive member 421 stops moving. The remote control system can also be connected to the drive assembly 4. Specifically, the remote control system can be signal-connected to the electric drive member 421, and the remote control system controls the opening and closing of the electric drive member 421 to further control the moving amount of the latch 41 driven by the electric drive member 421. Among them, the electric drive member 421 can be in a normally open state, and the remote control system controls the moving amount of the latch 41 by controlling the on-off of the power supply to the electric drive member 421 by the power supply module 5; or, the power supply module 5 can continuously supply power to the electric drive member 421, and the remote control system controls the moving amount of the latch 41 by controlling the opening and closing of the electric drive member 421; or, the power supply module 5 can be signal-connected to the power supply module 5 and the electric drive member 421 respectively, and the moving amount of the latch 41 is controlled by the on-off of the power supply to the electric drive member 421 by the power supply module 5 and the opening and closing of the electric drive member 421.

[0057] To facilitate the control of the moving amount of the cathode 2, the remote control system is also connected to the drive assembly 4 to detect the moving amount of the latch 41 in real time, thereby realizing the detection of the moving amount of the cathode 2, so as to facilitate the control of the moving amount of the cathode 2. Specifically, the remote control system is signal-connected to the position detection member 4225 in the drive assembly 4 to judge the moving amount of the latch 41 through the position detection member 4225. Among them, the remote control system can be any applicable computing device, such as a personal computer, a server, a programmable logic controller (PLC controller for short), a single-chip microcomputer, a host computer, etc., or an integration of computer devices. The remote control system can have functions such as receiving information and sending control commands. The remote control system can control each component to perform corresponding actions by means of wired communication or wireless communication.

[0058] In some specific embodiments, the accommodation cavity 7 is used to accommodate at least part of the cathode 2, at least part of the connecting rod 3 and is at least partially located between the cathode 2 and the anode 1. The accommodation cavity 7 is used to accommodate the part of the cathode 2 that protrudes out of the anode 1. The intake pipeline 6 includes a plurality of branch pipelines 61 communicating with the accommodation cavity 7, and each branch pipeline 61 can supply gas into the accommodation cavity 7 respectively. The gas can at least partially surround the connecting rod 3 and the cathode 2. The accommodation cavity 7 is shared by at least the gas, at least part of the connecting rod 3 and the cathode 2, making the structure more compact. The gas provided by the intake pipeline 6 can collide with the electrons generated by the cathode and be ionized to generate particles. The types of gas supplied into the accommodation cavity 7 by the plurality of branch pipelines 61 can be the same or different. Among them, each branch pipeline 61 can be provided with a control valve, and the control valve is used to control the on-off of the branch pipeline 61.

[0059] The present invention also provides a particle generation method, which is applied to the above-mentioned particle source. The particle generation method includes steps S01 to S03. Among them, the particles can specifically be protons or other positively charged ions.

[0060] Step S01: Supply gas into the accommodation cavity 7, and judge the required distance that the cathode 2 protrudes out of the anode 1 according to the type of the gas. The part of the cathode 2 that protrudes out of the anode 1 is accommodated in the accommodation cavity 7.

[0061] Step S02: The driving assembly 4 controls the movement of the cathode 2 so that the cathode 2 reaches the required distance that protrudes out of the anode 1.

[0062] Step S03: The power supply module 5 supplies power to the cathode 2, and the gas located in the accommodation cavity 7 is ionized to generate particles.

[0063] Step S01 specifically includes: By controlling the on-off of the plurality of branch pipelines 61, the branch pipelines 61 that need to supply gas into the accommodation cavity 7 are unblocked, and the other branch pipelines 61 are blocked. The user can input the type of gas supplied into the accommodation cavity 7 into the remote control system. Different gases corresponding to the required length of the cathode 2 protruding out of the anode 1 are pre-stored in the remote control system, so that the remote control system can match the required length of the cathode 2 protruding out of the anode 1 through the type of the gas. Among them, the remote control system can also pre-store the type of gas supplied by each branch pipeline 61, and judge the type of gas in the accommodation cavity 7 through the on-off of the branch pipeline 61. The lengths of different gases corresponding to the required distance that the cathode 2 protrudes out of the anode 1 can be obtained by experimental measurement in advance and then stored in the remote control system for actual production. In addition, the user can also re-enter the moving amount of the cathode 2 or the required distance that the cathode 2 protrudes out of the anode 1 according to different gas types to the remote control system.

[0064] In step S02, the electric drive member 421 controls the synchronous movement of the latch 41, the connecting rod 3, and the cathode 2. The position detection member 4225 obtains the movement amount of the latch 41, and the movement amount of the latch 41 is the same as that of the cathode 2. The remote control system determines whether the cathode 2 has moved to the required position based on the data measured by the position detection member 4225. After the cathode 2 moves to the required position, the remote control system controls the electric drive member 421 to stop moving, and the position of the cathode 2 is fixed.

[0065] Referring to Figure 5 , the present invention also provides a particle accelerator 200, which includes the above-mentioned particle source 100 for generating particles. A pair of particle sources 100 may be provided, and the pair of particle sources 100 are symmetrically distributed along the center of the particle accelerator 200. The particles generated by the particle source 100 are accelerated in the particle accelerator 200 to form a particle beam and exit the particle accelerator 200. Among them, the particles may be protons or other positively charged ions, and the particle accelerator 200 may be a medical cyclotron.

[0066] Embodiment 2

[0067] As Figure 3 shown, the present invention provides a particle source, which includes a cathode 2, an anode 1, a connecting rod 3 connected to the cathode 2, and a driving assembly 4 for driving the connecting rod 3 to move. In addition, the particle source may further include a power supply module 5 for connecting to the connecting rod 3 and the driving assembly 4, an intake pipe 6 for introducing gas, and a receiving cavity 7. Among them, the structures and installation methods of the anode 1, cathode 2, connecting rod 3, and power supply module 5 in the embodiment are the same as or similar to those of the anode 1, cathode 2, connecting rod 3, and power supply module 5.

[0068] The driving assembly 4 is used to drive the connecting rod 3 to move, specifically to drive the connecting rod 3 to move along the extension direction of the cathode 2. When the driving assembly 4 drives the connecting rod 3 to move, the cathode 2 connected to the connecting rod 3 will move synchronously to change the exposed length of the cathode 2 and the relative position between the cathode 2 and the anode 1.

[0069] The driving component 4 includes a latch 41 and a moving unit 42. The latch 41 is the same as or similar to the latch 41 in Embodiment 1. The moving unit 42 includes an electric driving member 421 and a slide rail member 422. The electric driving member 421 is electrically connected to the power supply module 5, and the electric driving member 421 is also connected to the latch 41. The electric driving member 421 is used to drive the latch 41 to move along the moving direction of the connecting rod 3, so as to drive the connecting rod 3 connected to the latch 41 and the cathode 2 connected to the connecting rod 3 to move, thereby realizing the adjustment of the relative position between the cathode 2 and the anode 1. Among them, the driving end of the electric driving member 421 can be fixedly connected to the latch 41 through fixing methods such as clamping, bonding, and threaded connection. When the electric driving member 421 is energized, the driving end of the electric driving member 421 moves to drive the latch 41 to move. The slide rail member 422 is used for sliding connection with the latch 41. The electric driving member 421 and the sliding member are distributed on opposite sides of the latch 41 to improve the smoothness of the latch 41 during movement.

[0070] To facilitate the control of the movement amount of the cathode 2, the electric driving member 421 includes a position detection module, and the position detection module is used to detect the movement amount of the electric driving member 421 driving the latch 41. Among them, the electric driving member 421 can be a motor with a built-in feedback function, and the feedback module of the motor forms the position detection module. Specifically, the electric driving member 421 can be a ceramic piezoelectric motor, which can be not affected or basically not affected by the magnetic field and is suitable for the strong magnetic working environment inside the accelerator. In this embodiment, the remote control system can detect the movement amount of the cathode 2 only through the position detection module of the electric driving member 421, and a position detection component 4225 may not be provided in the slide rail member 422; in other embodiments, a position detection component 4225 may be provided in the slide rail member 422, and the remote control system can detect the movement amount of the cathode 2 through the position detection module of the electric driving member 421 and the position detection component 4225 in the slide rail member 422.

[0071] The slide rail member 422 may include a main body portion 4221 and a sliding piece 4224. The main body portion 4221 is provided with a sliding groove 4222, and the extending direction of the sliding groove 4222 is parallel to the moving direction of the connecting rod 3. The sliding piece 4224 can be installed in the sliding groove 4222, and the sliding piece 4224 can slide along the extending direction of the sliding groove 4222. The sliding piece 4224 is also connected to the latch 41 to drive the latch 41 to move synchronously. Specifically, the sliding piece 4224 and the latch 41 can be fixedly connected to the latch 41 through fixing methods such as clamping, bonding, and threaded connection, so that the sliding piece 4224 and the latch 41 move synchronously.

[0072] As a preferred embodiment, a pair of stop portions 4223 are further provided on the body portion 4221, and the pair of stop portions 4223 are distributed at opposite ends of the sliding groove 4222. The stop portions 4223 can be located on the moving path of the sliding piece 4224, so that the sliding piece 4224 can be stopped by the stop portions 4223 during movement, thereby restricting the further movement of the sliding piece 4224, and further enabling the sliding piece 4224 to slide between the pair of stop portions 4223, realizing the restriction of the sliding path of the sliding piece 4224.

[0073] In some specific embodiments, the accommodating cavity 7 is used to accommodate at least a part of the cathode 2. Specifically, the accommodating cavity 7 is used to accommodate the part of the cathode 2 that protrudes outward from the anode 1. The intake pipeline 6 includes a plurality of branch pipelines 61 communicating with the accommodating cavity 7, and each branch pipeline 61 can supply gas into the accommodating cavity 7 respectively. The types of gas supplied into the accommodating cavity 7 by the plurality of branch pipelines 61 can be the same or different. Among them, each branch pipeline 61 can be provided with a control valve, and the control valve is used to control the on-off of the branch pipeline 61.

[0074] The particle generation method in this embodiment is applied to the particle source in Embodiment 2, and the particle generation method includes Step S01 to Step S03. Among them, the particles can specifically be protons or other positively charged ions.

[0075] Step S01: Supply gas into the accommodating cavity 7, and judge the required distance of the cathode 2 protruding outward from the anode 1 according to the type of the gas. The part of the cathode 2 protruding outward from the anode 1 is accommodated in the accommodating cavity 7.

[0076] Step S02: The driving assembly 4 controls the movement of the cathode 2 so that the cathode 2 reaches the required distance protruding outward from the anode 1.

[0077] Step S03: The power supply module 5 supplies power to the cathode 2, and the gas located in the accommodating cavity 7 is ionized to generate particles.

[0078] Step S01 and Step S03 are the same as or similar to Step S01 and Step S03 in Embodiment 1.

[0079] In Step S02, the remote control system detects the moving distance of the cathode 2 in real time through the position detection module of the electric driving member 421. When the cathode 2 moves to the required position, the remote control system controls the electric driving member 421 to stop moving, and the position of the cathode 2 remains fixed.

[0080] Referring to Figure 5 , the present invention further provides a particle accelerator 200, including the particle source 100 in Embodiment 2. A pair of particle sources 100 can be provided, and the pair of particle sources 100 are symmetrically distributed along the center of the particle accelerator 200. Among them, the particles can be protons or other positively charged ions, and the particle accelerator 200 can be a medical cyclotron.

[0081] Example 3

[0082] As Figure 4 shown, the present invention also provides a particle source, which includes a cathode 2, an anode 1, a connecting rod 3 connected to the cathode 2, and a driving assembly 4 for driving the connecting rod 3 to move. In addition, the particle source may further include a power supply module 5 for connecting the connecting rod 3 and the driving assembly 4, an intake pipeline 6 for introducing gas, and a receiving cavity 7. Among them, the structures and installation manners of the anode 1, the cathode 2, the connecting rod 3, and the power supply module 5 are the same as or similar to those of the anode 1, the cathode 2, the connecting rod 3, and the power supply module 5 in the embodiment.

[0083] The driving assembly 4 is used to drive the connecting rod 3 to move. Specifically, it drives the connecting rod 3 to move along the extending direction of the cathode 2. When the driving assembly 4 drives the connecting rod 3 to move, the cathode 2 connected to the connecting rod 3 will move synchronously to change the exposed length of the cathode 2 and the relative position between the cathode 2 and the anode 1.

[0084] The driving assembly 4 includes a latch 41 and a moving unit 42. The latch 41 is the same as or similar to the latch 41 in Embodiment 1. The moving unit 42 includes a pair of electric driving members 421, and the pair of electric driving members 421 are distributed at opposite ends of the latch 41 and are respectively connected to the latch 41. Each electric driving member 421 can be respectively electrically connected to the power supply module 5. The electric driving member 421 can be used to drive the latch 41 to move along the moving direction of the connecting rod 3, so as to drive the connecting rod 3 connected to the latch 41 and the cathode 2 connected to the connecting rod 3 to move, thereby realizing the adjustment of the relative position between the cathode 2 and the anode 1. Among them, the driving end of the electric driving member 421 can be fixedly connected to the latch 41 through fixing methods such as clamping, bonding, and threaded connection. When the electric driving member 421 is energized, the driving end of the electric driving member 421 moves to drive the latch 41 to move.

[0085] To facilitate the control of the moving amount of the cathode 2, the electric driving member 421 includes a position detection module, and the position detection module is used to detect the moving amount of the electric driving member 421 driving the latch 41. Among them, the electric driving member 421 can be a motor with a self-feedback function, and the feedback module of the motor forms the position detection module. The electric driving member 421 can specifically be a ceramic piezoelectric motor, which can be not affected or basically not affected by a magnetic field and is suitable for a strong magnetic working environment inside an accelerator. One of the pair of electric driving members 421 includes a position detection module, and the other does not include a position detection module, or the pair of electric driving members 421 respectively include position detection modules.

[0086] In some specific embodiments, the accommodating cavity 7 is used to accommodate at least a part of the cathode 2. Specifically, the accommodating cavity 7 is used to accommodate the part of the cathode 2 that protrudes outward from the anode 1. The intake pipeline 6 includes a plurality of branch pipelines 61 communicating with the accommodating cavity 7, and each branch pipeline 61 can supply gas into the accommodating cavity 7 respectively. The types of gas supplied into the accommodating cavity 7 by the plurality of branch pipelines 61 can be the same or different. Among them, each branch pipeline 61 can be provided with a control valve, and the control valve is used to control the on-off of the branch pipeline 61.

[0087] The particle generation method in this embodiment is applied to the particle source in Embodiment 2, and the particle generation method includes Step S01 to Step S03. Among them, the particles can specifically be protons or other positively charged ions.

[0088] Step S01: Supply gas into the accommodating cavity 7, and judge the distance that the cathode 2 needs to protrude outward from the anode 1 according to the type of the gas. The part of the cathode 2 that protrudes outward from the anode 1 is accommodated in the accommodating cavity 7.

[0089] Step S02: The driving assembly 4 controls the movement of the cathode 2 so that the cathode 2 reaches the required distance of protruding outward from the anode 1.

[0090] Step S03: The power supply module 5 supplies power to the cathode 2, and the gas located in the accommodating cavity 7 is ionized to generate particles.

[0091] Step S01 and Step S03 are the same as or similar to Step S01 and Step S03 in Embodiment 1.

[0092] In Step S02, the remote control system detects the moving distance of the cathode 2 in real time through the position detection module of the electric driving member 421. After the cathode 2 moves to the required position, the remote control system controls the electric driving member 421 to stop moving, and the position of the cathode 2 remains fixed.

[0093] Referring to Figure 5 , the present invention also provides a particle accelerator 200, including one of the particle sources 100 described in Embodiments 1-3. A pair of particle sources 100 can be provided, and the pair of particle sources 100 are symmetrically distributed along the center of the particle accelerator 200. Among them, the particles can be protons or other positively charged ions, and the particle accelerator 200 can be a medical cyclotron.

[0094] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Without departing from the principle and purpose of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the invention, and all these changes should fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A particle source, characterized in that: include: An anode (1) is arranged above the center of the particle accelerator; a cathode (2), spaced apart from the anode (1) and at least partially located inside the anode (1), the cathode (2) being used to generate electrons; A connecting rod (3) is used to supply power to the cathode (2); one end of the connecting rod (3) adjacent to the anode (1) is connected to the cathode (2) and can drive the cathode (2) to move synchronously along the axial direction of the connecting rod (3) before the cathode (2) is energized; A containing cavity (7) for accommodating at least part of the cathode (2) and at least part of the connecting rod (3) and at least partly located between the cathode (2) and the anode (1); An air inlet pipeline (6) for inputting gas into the accommodating chamber (7), wherein the gas is used to collide with the electrons to be ionized to generate particles; a driving assembly (4) connected to an end of the connecting rod (3) away from the anode (1) and used to drive the connecting rod (3) to move along the extension direction of the cathode (2) based on the change in the ionization energy of the gas, so as to adjust the relative position of the anode (1) and the cathode (2) relative to the change in the ionization energy of the gas and keep the cathode (2) and the anode (1) non-contact; The driving assembly (4) comprises a lock buckle (41) and a moving unit (42), wherein the lock buckle (41) is fixedly connected to the connecting rod (3) to drive the connecting rod (3) to move synchronously; the moving unit (42) comprises an electric drive component (421) for connecting to the lock buckle (41) and for driving the lock buckle (41) to move, and a slide rail component (422) for slidingly connecting to the lock buckle (41), wherein the electric drive component (421) and the slide rail component (422) are arranged at opposite ends of the lock buckle (41); the slide rail component (421) is connected to the lock buckle (41) and is used to drive the lock buckle (41) to move. 22) includes a main body (4221) and a slide (4224), the main body (4221) is provided with a sliding groove (4222) and a pair of stop portions (4223), the pair of stop portions (4223) are distributed at opposite ends of the sliding groove (4222), the slide (4224) is fixedly connected to the lock buckle (41), and the slide (4224) is installed in the sliding groove (4222) and can slide along the sliding groove (4222), and the stop portion (4223) is used to prevent the slide (4224) from moving.

2. The particle source according to claim 1, characterized in that The particle source further comprises a power supply module (5), and the power supply module (5) is electrically connected to the electric drive component (421).

3. The particle source according to claim 2, characterized in that The electric drive component (421) comprises a position detection module, and the position detection module is used to detect the displacement amount of the lock buckle (41) driven by the electric drive component (421); Alternatively, the slide rail member (422) is provided with a position detection member (4225), the slide (4224) is connected to the position detection member (4225) so that the position detection member (4225) can measure the displacement of the slide (4224), and the position detection member (4225) is electrically connected to the power supply module (5).

4. The particle source according to claim 1, characterized in that The lock buckle (41) is an annular lock buckle, and the lock buckle (41) is interference-fitted on the connecting rod (3); And / or, the particle source further comprises a power supply module (5), and the connecting rod (3) is electrically connected to the power supply module (5), so that the power supply module (5) can supply power to the cathode (2) through the connecting rod (3).

5. The particle source according to claim 4, characterized in that It also comprises a remote control system, which is connected to the driving component (4) and / or the power supply module (5) to control the movement amount of the lock buckle (41) driven by the driving component (4).

6. The particle source according to claim 1, characterized in that The air intake pipeline (6) comprises a plurality of branch pipelines (61) connected to the accommodating chamber (7), and each branch pipeline (61) is used to supply gas to the accommodating chamber (7).

7. A particle generation method, characterized in that: The particle generation method is applied to the particle source according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and the particle generation method comprises: Supplying gas into the accommodating chamber (7), and determining the distance that the cathode (2) needs to protrude from the anode (1) according to the type of gas; The driving component (4) controls the movement of the cathode (2) so that the cathode (2) reaches a desired distance protruding from the anode (1); Supplying power to the cathode (2), so that the gas in the containing chamber (7) is ionized and generates particles; Wherein, the portion of the cathode protruding from the anode is accommodated in the accommodating cavity.

8. The particle generation method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The “determining the distance that the cathode (2) needs to protrude from the anode (1) by the type of gas” specifically includes: The required protruding length of the cathode (2) from the anode (1) corresponding to a plurality of gas types is pre-stored in the remote control system; the required protruding length of the cathode (2) from the anode (1) is matched by the gas type supplied in the accommodating chamber (7).

9. The particle generation method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The “driving component (4) controls the movement of the cathode (2)” specifically includes: The drive assembly (4) comprises an electric drive component (421) for driving the cathode (2) to move, and the actual movement amount of the cathode (2) is obtained through a position detection component (4225) and / or a position feedback module of the electric drive component (421) to determine whether the cathode (2) has moved to a desired position.

10. A particle accelerator, characterized in that: Comprising the particle source as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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