A proton beam acceleration module and a neutron source device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of proton beam acceleration module and neutron source device, wherein, proton beam acceleration module is used to receive and accelerate proton beam, the proton beam acceleration module includes electrostatic acceleration unit and radio frequency acceleration unit for accelerating the proton beam, the electrostatic acceleration unit is used to receive proton beam and carry out primary acceleration to the proton beam, and the electrostatic acceleration unit includes for emitting proton beam exit end, the radio frequency acceleration unit is set in the exit end of the electrostatic acceleration unit to be used to receive after the proton beam accelerated by the electrostatic acceleration unit and carry out secondary acceleration to proton beam.The utility model is used to shorten the acceleration distance of acceleration module to proton beam, to reduce the volume of proton beam acceleration module and neutron source device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of neutron source technology, and in particular to a proton beam acceleration module and a neutron source device. Background Technology

[0002] One current method for treating tumors is to use neutron irradiation to kill tumor cells. In this treatment, neutrons are mainly produced by bombarding a target with a high-energy proton beam or by nuclear fission reactions in a nuclear reactor. Of these, bombarding the target with a high-energy proton beam does not face the same stringent safety regulations as nuclear fission reactions.

[0003] However, existing high-energy proton beams are typically formed using cyclotrons. Specifically, a cyclotron generates a uniform, high-intensity magnetic field using a superconducting magnet. Protons move in a spiral motion, gradually expanding outward from the center, and are continuously accelerated during this motion to form a high-energy proton beam. Because the helical motion of protons requires a large space to perform the acceleration process, cyclotrons are often quite large, making them unsuitable for laboratories or small to medium-sized hospitals with limited space. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a proton beam acceleration module and a neutron source device, which are designed to provide a proton beam acceleration module and a neutron source device with a smaller footprint.

[0005] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A proton beam acceleration module is provided for receiving and accelerating a proton beam. The proton beam acceleration module includes an electrostatic acceleration unit and a radio frequency acceleration unit for accelerating the proton beam. The electrostatic acceleration unit is used to receive the proton beam and perform primary acceleration on the proton beam, and the electrostatic acceleration unit includes an output end for emitting the proton beam. The radio frequency acceleration unit is disposed at the output end of the electrostatic acceleration unit to receive the proton beam accelerated by the electrostatic acceleration unit and perform secondary acceleration on the proton beam.

[0007] Preferably, it further includes a first connecting segment disposed between the electrostatic acceleration unit and the radio frequency acceleration unit. The first connecting segment is sealed to the electrostatic acceleration unit and the radio frequency acceleration unit respectively. The first connecting segment is provided with a first proton channel for the transmission of the proton beam. The proton beam accelerated by the electrostatic acceleration unit passes through the first proton channel to enter the radio frequency acceleration unit.

[0008] The first connecting segment includes a first outer shell, which is an electromagnetic shielding shell.

[0009] Preferably, the electrostatic acceleration unit is an electrostatic accelerator; the radio frequency acceleration unit includes a radio frequency quadrupole accelerator and a drift tube linear accelerator for accelerating the proton beam, and the electrostatic accelerator, the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator and the drift tube linear accelerator are arranged sequentially along the proton beam transmission direction to accelerate the proton beam step by step.

[0010] Preferably, a second connecting section is provided between the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator and the drift tube linear accelerator, and the second connecting section is sealed to the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator and the drift tube linear accelerator respectively; a second proton channel is provided in the second connecting section for the transmission of the proton beam, and the proton beam accelerated by the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator passes through the second proton channel to enter the drift tube linear accelerator.

[0011] The second connecting section is provided with a second outer shell, which is an electromagnetic shielding shell.

[0012] Preferably, a coupler is provided at one end of the second proton channel connected to the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator; and / or, an impedance matching device is provided at one end of the second proton channel connected to the drift tube linear accelerator.

[0013] Preferably, the electrostatic accelerator, the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator, and the drift tube linear accelerator are each connected to a vacuum pump, and the interiors of the electrostatic accelerator, the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator, and the drift tube linear accelerator are evacuated by the corresponding vacuum pumps.

[0014] Preferably, the electrostatic acceleration unit includes an electrostatic accelerator; the radio frequency acceleration unit includes a superconducting radio frequency accelerator, and the electrostatic accelerator and the superconducting radio frequency accelerator are arranged sequentially along the proton beam transmission direction to accelerate the proton beam step by step.

[0015] A neutron source device, comprising:

[0016] Target;

[0017] Plasma source module, used to ionize the gas to be ionized to generate plasma;

[0018] A proton extraction module, connected to the plasma source module, is used to extract a proton beam from the plasma.

[0019] The proton beam acceleration module of any of the above is disposed between the proton extraction module and the target. The proton beam acceleration module is used to accelerate the proton beam extracted by the proton extraction module and bombard the target with the accelerated proton beam to produce neutrons.

[0020] Preferably, the plasma source module includes a shell with an ionization chamber, a microwave source for injecting microwaves into the ionization chamber, a magnetic component for generating a magnetic field acting on the ionization chamber, and an inlet pipe connected to the ionization chamber, wherein the inlet pipe is used to inject the gas to be ionized into the ionization chamber.

[0021] The magnetic component is disposed on the outside of the ionization chamber to provide an axial magnetic field into the ionization chamber; the magnetic component is a multi-stage magnet.

[0022] Preferably, the target is located on the side of the proton beam emitted by the radio frequency acceleration unit in the proton beam acceleration module, and the target is detachably connected to the radio frequency acceleration unit.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model include at least the following:

[0024] By employing both electrostatic and radio frequency (RF) acceleration units to accelerate the proton beam, the beam can be accelerated to the required energy over a shorter distance while ensuring it travels in a roughly linear direction during acceleration. This significantly reduces the acceleration distance of the proton beam acceleration module, thereby effectively reducing its size and consequently the size of the neutron source device using this module. Furthermore, by using an electrostatic accelerator for primary acceleration, which features a simple acceleration structure and convenient energy adjustment, it can be suitable for accelerating the proton beam from tens of keV to a low-energy range of 0.3–3 MeV. This allows for precise control of the initial low-energy range, improving the beam quality of the proton beam. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the neutron source device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a portion of the structure of the neutron source device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partial structural perspective view of the proton beam acceleration module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a structural perspective view of the second connecting segment according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is another structural schematic block diagram of the neutron source device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the target module in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Proton beam acceleration module; 11. Electrostatic acceleration unit; 111. DC power supply; 12. Radio frequency acceleration unit; 121. Radio frequency quadrupole accelerator; 122. Drift tube linear accelerator; 123. Radio frequency power supply system; 13. First connecting section; 131. First outer shell; 132. Vacuum flange; 133. First proton channel; 134. First focusing element; 14. Second connecting section; 141. Second outer shell; 142. Second proton channel; 143. Second focusing element; 144. Coupler; 145. Impedance matching device; 15. Vacuum pump; 2. Plasma source module; 21. Ionization chamber; 22. Microwave source; 23. Magnetic component; 24. Inlet pipe; 3. Proton extraction module; 4. Focusing module; 5. Target module; 51. Target body; 511. Main body; 512. Heat-conducting part; 52. Cooling system; 521. Circulation path. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0033] The terms used to describe position and direction in this utility model are illustrated with the accompanying drawings, but changes can be made as needed, and all such changes are included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this invention provides a proton beam acceleration module 1, which receives and accelerates a proton beam to form a high-energy proton beam. The proton beam acceleration module 1 includes an electrostatic acceleration unit 11 and a radio frequency acceleration unit 12 for accelerating the proton beam. One end of the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 receives the proton beam, and the other end can serve as the exit end for emitting the proton beam. The proton beam enters the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 from one end and is accelerated. The accelerated proton beam exits through the exit end of the electrostatic acceleration unit 11. The end of the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 for receiving the proton beam and the exit end can be opposite ends of the electrostatic acceleration unit 11. The radio frequency acceleration unit 12 is disposed on the exit end side of the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 and is used to receive the proton beam accelerated by the electrostatic acceleration unit 11; that is, the proton beam passes sequentially through the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 and the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 as it moves along the transmission path.

[0035] Specifically, the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 is used for primary acceleration of the proton beam, and then the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 is used for secondary acceleration of the proton beam. That is, after the proton beam enters the proton beam acceleration module 1, it first undergoes preliminary acceleration by the electrostatic acceleration unit 11, and then the proton beam undergoes secondary acceleration by the radio frequency acceleration unit 12, thus progressively increasing the proton beam energy. This embodiment, by employing a combination of electrostatic and radio frequency acceleration, can accelerate the proton beam to the required energy within a shorter distance, which is beneficial for reducing the size of the proton beam acceleration module 1.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 In some specific embodiments, a first connecting segment 13 is provided between the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 and the radio frequency acceleration unit 12. The first connecting segment 13 is sealed to both the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 and the radio frequency acceleration unit 12.

[0037] The first connecting section 13 includes a first outer shell 131 and vacuum flanges 132 disposed at opposite ends of the first outer shell 131 along the proton beam transmission direction. The first connecting section 13 is sealed to the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 and the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 respectively via the vacuum flanges 132. This flange connection ensures a seal between the first connecting section 13 and the electrostatic acceleration unit 11, and between the first connecting section 13 and the radio frequency acceleration unit 12. By using vacuum flanges 132 to achieve sealed connections between the first connecting section 13 and the electrostatic acceleration unit 11, and between the first connecting section 13 and the radio frequency acceleration unit 12, the vacuum flanges 132 exhibit good sealing performance. They can withstand the high voltage generated at the outlet of the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 and ensure a good seal between the first connecting section 13 and the electrostatic accelerator.

[0038] The first outer shell 131 can be configured as an electromagnetic shielding shell made of electromagnetic shielding material, so that the first outer shell 131 has the function of electromagnetic shielding, thereby preventing electromagnetic interference generated under the electrostatic high voltage in the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 from leaking and affecting the radio frequency acceleration unit 12.

[0039] In one optional embodiment, a first proton channel 133 for proton beam transmission is provided in the first connecting section 13. The first proton channel 133 is located inside the first housing 131. One end of the first proton channel 133 is connected to the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 to receive the proton beam accelerated by the electrostatic acceleration unit 11. The other end of the first proton channel 133 is connected to the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 so that the proton beam can pass through the first proton channel 133 and enter the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 for secondary acceleration.

[0040] In one optional embodiment, a first focusing element 134 is provided on the first proton channel 133. For example, the first focusing element 134 is embedded in the first proton channel 133. The first focusing element 134 is, for example, a quadrupole electromagnetic lens that can perform beam shaping and focusing on the proton beam in the first proton channel 133.

[0041] In some specific embodiments, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 5 The electrostatic acceleration unit 11 includes an electrostatic accelerator, and the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 includes a radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 (RFQ) and a drift tube linear accelerator 122 (DTL). The electrostatic accelerator, the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121, and the drift tube linear accelerator 122 are arranged sequentially along the proton beam transmission direction to accelerate the proton beam step by step.

[0042] Specifically, the proton beam before acceleration is generally 10~50 keV (kiloelectron volts), while the proton beam bombarding the target is 51 ( Figures 1 to 3 The required energy (without "51") is generally 10~70 MeV (megaelectron volts). The proton beam is first accelerated in an electrostatic accelerator to 0.3~3 MeV. The proton beam accelerated by the electrostatic accelerator is then injected into a radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121, where it reaches 3~10 MeV. Finally, the proton beam accelerated by the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 is injected into a drift tube linear accelerator 122, where it reaches 10~70 MeV, at which point the proton beam achieves the required energy. The proton beam propagation path can be approximately a straight line, and the electrostatic accelerator, radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121, and drift tube linear accelerator 122 can be arranged sequentially along this straight path.

[0043] By placing the electrostatic accelerator at the front end of the radio frequency acceleration unit 1, the simple acceleration structure and convenient energy adjustment of the electrostatic accelerator can be fully utilized to conveniently accelerate the proton beam energy from tens of keV to a low-energy range of 0.3~3 MeV at the front end. Furthermore, the electrostatic accelerator is suitable for precise control of the initial low-energy range. Preliminary acceleration of the proton beam by the electrostatic accelerator can improve the beam quality of the proton beam and is beneficial to the capture efficiency of the subsequent radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121. The radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 uses a radio frequency electric field to perform high-frequency focusing and acceleration of the proton beam, further increasing the energy of the proton beam to several MeV. The radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 can realize beam capture, focusing, and acceleration functions. The high-frequency focusing of the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 helps to stabilize the transmission of a high-brightness beam.

[0044] Optionally, a beam control unit can be provided between adjacent accelerators. The beam control unit is used to adjust the beam shape and phase space distribution, and can monitor the acceleration status and energy parameters of the beam by the accelerator in real time to ensure the stability and safety of the proton beam acceleration module 1. The beam control unit can use existing beam adjustment devices.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 A second connecting section 14 is provided between the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 and the drift tube linear accelerator 122. The second connecting section 14 is sealed to both the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 and the drift tube linear accelerator 122. For example, the second connecting section 14 includes a second housing 141 and vacuum flanges 132 disposed at opposite ends of the second housing 141 along the proton beam transmission direction. The second connecting section 14 is sealed to both the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 and the drift tube linear accelerator 122 through the vacuum flanges 132. That is, the flange connection method can achieve a seal between the second connecting section 14 and the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121, and between the second connecting section 14 and the drift tube linear accelerator 122. The second housing 141 can be configured as an electromagnetic shielding housing made of electromagnetic shielding material, so that the second housing 141 has an electromagnetic shielding function, thereby realizing potential isolation within the radio frequency acceleration unit 12.

[0046] The second connecting section 14 contains a second proton channel 142 for proton beam transmission. The proton beam, accelerated by the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121, passes through the second connecting section 14 to enter the drift tube linear accelerator 122 for further acceleration. A second focusing element 143 may be provided on the second proton channel 142. For example, the second focusing element 143 may be embedded in the second proton channel 142. The second focusing element 143 may be, for example, a quadrupole electromagnetic lens that can perform beam shaping and focusing on the proton beam in the second proton channel 142.

[0047] Furthermore, the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 and the drift tube linear accelerator 122 are radio frequency acceleration structures that utilize high-frequency electromagnetic fields for acceleration. Each of the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 and the drift tube linear accelerator 122 has an independent radio frequency cavity and specific impedance characteristics. To ensure that the proton beam accelerated by the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 can be efficiently and stably transmitted to the drift tube linear accelerator 122, thereby ensuring radio frequency phase and power matching between the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 and the drift tube linear accelerator 122, in this application, a coupler 144 can be provided at the end of the second proton channel 142 connected to the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121. Specifically, the coupler 144 is a high-frequency coupler, where "high frequency" refers to a frequency greater than 3 MeV. The coupler 144 is used to achieve continuous high-frequency energy transmission between the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 and the drift tube linear accelerator 122. The coupler 144 is located at the front end of the second focusing element 143, and the proton beam passes through the second focusing element 143 after passing through the coupler 144.

[0048] Furthermore, an impedance matching device 145 can be installed at the end of the second proton channel 142 connected to the drift tube linear accelerator 122. The impedance matching device 145 is located at the rear end of the second focusing element 143. After passing through the second focusing element 143, the proton beam couples with the impedance matching device 145, and then enters the drift tube linear accelerator 122. The impedance matching device 145 is used to achieve impedance matching of the proton beam, improve radio frequency energy transmission efficiency, and prevent interference caused by reflected power.

[0049] In other embodiments, the radio frequency acceleration unit may also be a superconducting radio frequency linear accelerator (SRF linac). An electrostatic accelerator and a superconducting radio frequency linear accelerator are sequentially arranged to accelerate the proton beam in stages. The superconducting radio frequency accelerator has a high acceleration gradient, low energy consumption, and high acceleration efficiency, which can effectively shorten the acceleration distance. The electrostatic accelerator accelerates the proton beam energy from tens of keV to a low energy range of 0.3~3MeV, and then the superconducting radio frequency accelerator accelerates the proton beam to 10~70 MeV to meet the requirements for bombarding the target 51.

[0050] The electrostatic accelerator and the superconducting radio frequency accelerator are arranged alternately along a straight path, with the electrostatic accelerator connected to the superconducting radio frequency accelerator via a first connecting section 13. The superconducting radio frequency accelerator is connected to a corresponding cryogenic cooling system to cool the superconducting components within it, ensuring they remain in a superconducting state. The cryogenic cooling system connected to the superconducting radio frequency accelerator is already used in existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0051] Reference Figure 1In some specific embodiments, the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 and the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 are respectively connected to corresponding power supply components. The electrostatic acceleration unit 11 is connected to a DC power supply 111, which specifically supplies power to the electrostatic accelerator. The DC power supply 111 can be a high-voltage DC power supply. The radio frequency acceleration unit 12 is provided with a radio frequency power supply system 123. When the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 includes a radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 and a drift tube linear accelerator 122, the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 and the drift tube linear accelerator 122 can be respectively connected to the radio frequency power supply system 123; when the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 is a superconducting radio frequency accelerator, the radio frequency power supply system 123 specifically supplies power to the superconducting radio frequency accelerator. The DC power supply 111 and the radio frequency power supply system 123 are already used in the prior art, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0052] In some specific embodiments, the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 and the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 are each equipped with a vacuum pump 15 to create a vacuum state within the electrostatic acceleration unit 11 and the radio frequency acceleration unit 12, thereby facilitating the acceleration of the proton beam. When the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 includes a radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121 and a drift tube linear accelerator 122, the electrostatic accelerator, the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121, and the drift tube linear accelerator 122 are each connected to a vacuum pump 15, which is used to evacuate the interior of the electrostatic accelerator, the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator 121, or the drift tube linear accelerator 122. When the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 is a superconducting radio frequency accelerator, the electrostatic accelerator and the superconducting radio frequency accelerator are each connected to a vacuum pump 15, which is used to evacuate the interior of the electrostatic accelerator and the superconducting radio frequency accelerator. Specifically, the vacuum pump 15 can be a turbomolecular pump.

[0053] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The present invention also provides a neutron source device, including a plasma source module 2, a proton extraction module 3, the aforementioned proton beam acceleration module 1, a focusing module 4, and a target module 5.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 The plasma source module 2 is used to ionize the gas to be ionized to generate plasma. In an optional embodiment, the gas to be ionized is hydrogen, which is ionized in the plasma module to generate hydrogen ions. Specifically, the hydrogen can be high-purity hydrogen with a purity of 99.999%.

[0055] Plasma source module 2 includes a shell housing an ionization chamber 21, a microwave source 22 (the exact designation in the diagram is unclear), a magnetic component 23, and an inlet pipe 24. The gas to be ionized is injected into the ionization chamber 21 through the inlet pipe 24. Specifically, it can be an ECR (Electron Cyclotron Resonance) module.

[0056] Microwave source 22 (microwave oscillator) is connected to ionization chamber 21 and can inject microwaves into ionization chamber 21. Magnetic component 23 can generate a magnetic field acting within ionization chamber 21. Specifically, magnetic component 23 can be wound around the outside of ionization chamber 21. For example, magnetic component 23 can be attached to the inner wall of the shell containing ionization chamber 21, or to the outer wall of the shell. Alternatively, if the shell is composed of multiple stacked layers, magnetic component 23 can be disposed between adjacent layers forming the shell. The magnetic field generated by magnetic component 23 can act within ionization chamber 21, and magnetic component 23 is used to provide an axial magnetic field within ionization chamber 21. By injecting microwaves into ionization chamber 21 and forming a magnetic field, electrons inside ionization chamber 21 can satisfy the electron cyclotron resonance condition and gain energy, thereby achieving efficient ionization.

[0057] In some specific embodiments, the magnetic component 23 can be a multi-level magnet. Multiple magnets form a complex magnetic field through the superposition of multiple magnetic fields. The strength, gradient, or direction of the magnetic field formed by the multi-level magnet can be dynamically adjusted. Therefore, the magnetic component 23 can flexibly adjust the magnetic field parameters acting on the ionization chamber 21 as needed.

[0058] Within the ionization chamber 21, the gas to be ionized undergoes electron cyclotron resonance under the combined influence of a magnetic field and microwaves, forming a high-density, stable plasma. The gas to be ionized is hydrogen, and the microwave source 22 generates 2.45 GHz microwaves. Under the influence of microwaves and a magnetic field, the hydrogen gas is excited and separated by high-energy electrons within the ionization chamber 21, forming a plasma with H₂O content. + The plasma is predominantly composed of hydrogen ions. Electron cyclotron resonance technology can generate a high-density and stable plasma, ensuring that the plasma source module 2 can produce a stable plasma, thereby ensuring the quality of the proton beam and the final neutrons. Furthermore, the ionization environment within the ionization chamber 21 can be adjusted by regulating the microwave power generated by the microwave source 22, the flow rate of the gas to be ionized, and the magnetic field strength provided by the magnetic component 23, ensuring that the plasma source module 2 stably generates a high-density plasma.

[0059] The proton extraction module 3 is connected to the plasma source module 2 and is used to extract a proton beam from the plasma. The proton extraction module 3 can be an electrostatic extraction electrode structure located at the outlet of the plasma source module 2; the proton extraction module 3 can generate an electric field with a voltage of 10–50 kV, which is used to effectively extract the high-purity proton beam from the plasma source module 2. Specifically, the high-purity proton beam is a positively charged proton beam extracted from the plasma. The number and intensity of the proton beam extracted by the proton extraction module 3 can reach the mA level.

[0060] In some specific embodiments, the proton extraction module 3 can specifically adopt a triode lens-type electrostatic extraction electrode structure, enabling it to have adjustable focusing capabilities. The proton extraction module 3 can consist of three electrostatic lenses. By adjusting the lens electrode potential, the beam spot size and divergence angle of the proton beam can be controlled, thereby obtaining a proton beam with uniformity and consistent direction. Specifically, the triode lens-type electrostatic extraction electrode structure achieves multi-level electric field gradients by adjusting the voltage of the middle lens electrode, precisely controlling beam focusing and energy distribution. Furthermore, the multi-level electric field can compensate for internal charge repulsion within the beam, improving transmission efficiency while increasing current density, thus producing a proton beam with high beam quality.

[0061] The proton beam acceleration module 1 is connected to the proton extraction module 3 so that the proton beam acceleration module 1 can receive the proton beam extracted by the proton extraction module 3, and the proton beam acceleration module 1 can accelerate the proton beam so that the proton beam reaches the required energy after acceleration. The required energy of the proton beam is the energy required for the proton beam to bombard the target 51 to produce neutrons.

[0062] The internal space of the proton beam acceleration module 1 is connected to the ionization chamber 21 through the internal space of the proton extraction module 3. The vacuum pump 15 inside the proton beam acceleration module 1 simultaneously evacuates the ionization chamber 21 while simultaneously evacuating the internal space of the proton acceleration module, ensuring the ionization chamber 21 is in a high-vacuum state. This removes air from the ionization chamber 21, preventing residual gas from mixing with the gas to be ionized and affecting the ionization effect. It also prevents hydrogen from escaping in an unionized state, ensuring proton beam generation efficiency and beam purity. If the ionization chamber 21 is isolated from the internal space of the proton beam acceleration module 1, the plasma source module 2 can also be equipped with a vacuum pump 15 for evacuating the ionization chamber 21.

[0063] A focusing module 4 may be provided at the end of the proton beam acceleration module 1. The proton beam accelerated by the proton beam acceleration module 1 is focused by the focusing module 4 and then directed toward the target module 5. The focusing module 4 is located between the proton beam acceleration module 1 and the target module 5, and the focusing module 4 may be an axisymmetric magnetic focusing lens.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The target module 5 is located on one side of the proton beam emitted by the radio frequency acceleration unit 12, and the target module 5 includes a target body 51. The target body 51 is located on the side of the proton beam emitted by the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 so that the target body 51 can receive the proton beam accelerated by the proton acceleration module. The main material of the target body 51 can be beryllium (Be), utilizing... 9 Be(p,n) 9 The beryllium nucleus reaction mechanism efficiently releases fast neutrons when the proton energy of beryllium exceeds a threshold. This threshold proton energy is approximately 2 MeV. When the target 51 is bombarded by a proton beam to produce neutrons, the target 51 is heated by the proton beam, and the heat is primarily concentrated on the side of the target 51 used for proton beam bombardment. To alleviate this concentrated heat load on the target surface, the target 51 can be connected to a cooling system 52. The cooling system 52 cools the target 51, reducing the concentrated heat load on its surface and improving the overall thermal stability and lifespan of the target 51.

[0065] The cooling system 52 can be configured with a circulation path 521 and a coolant circulating within the circulation path 521. When the coolant flows through the target 51, it exchanges heat with the target 51 to absorb the heat of the target 51, thereby cooling the target 51.

[0066] In some specific embodiments, the target module 5 can be detachably connected to the proton beam acceleration module 1, so that the target body 51 is detachably connected to the proton beam acceleration module 1. Specifically, the target body 51 can be detachably connected to the radio frequency acceleration unit 12. When the target module 5 needs to be replaced, the previous target module 5 can be disassembled, and then the target module 5 to be replaced can be installed to connect with the proton beam acceleration module 1. The proton beam accelerated by the proton beam acceleration module 1 can bombard the target material inside the replaced target module 5. By setting the target module 5 to be detachably connected to the proton beam acceleration module 1, when the target module 5 needs to be replaced, repaired, or upgraded, only the target module 5 needs to be disassembled separately, without disassembling the proton beam acceleration module 1, which is convenient for operation. The target module 5 can be installed through a flange or other quick-release structure, so that the target module 5 can be quickly disassembled and assembled as the proton beam acceleration module 1.

[0067] To achieve a detachable connection between the target 51 and the radio frequency acceleration unit 12, the target 51 can be directly or indirectly connected to the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 via a flange or other quick-release structure. When the target 51 is indirectly connected to the radio frequency acceleration unit 12, the target 51 can be connected to a fixing component that can be fixed to the radio frequency acceleration unit 12 via a quick-release structure. By fixing or separating the target 51 from the fixing component, the installation or removal of the target 51 is equivalent to that of the radio frequency acceleration unit 12.

[0068] In this application, plasma is generated through an electron cyclotron resonance module and formed into a proton beam through a proton extraction module 3. The proton beam, accelerated by a proton beam acceleration module 1, bombards a target 51, inducing a (p,n) reaction and producing a large number of neutrons. The neutron source device of this application can achieve controllable neutron yield output, suitable for various applications such as neutron irradiation, materials analysis, and BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy). Furthermore, compared to the bulky cyclotron accelerators and nuclear reactors, this application's neutron source device, formed by combining a plasma source module 2, a proton extraction module 3, a proton beam acceleration module 1, and a target module 5, has a compact structure, high integration, and small size, requiring minimal space and suitable for use in laboratories or hospitals of various sizes.

[0069] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and all such changes should fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A proton beam acceleration module for receiving and accelerating a proton beam, characterized in that, The proton beam acceleration module includes an electrostatic acceleration unit (11) and a radio frequency acceleration unit (12) for accelerating the proton beam. The electrostatic acceleration unit (11) is used to receive the proton beam and perform primary acceleration on the proton beam, and the electrostatic acceleration unit (11) includes an emission end for emitting the proton beam. The radio frequency acceleration unit (12) is disposed on one side of the emission end of the electrostatic acceleration unit (11) for receiving the proton beam accelerated by the electrostatic acceleration unit (11) and performing secondary acceleration on the proton beam.

2. The proton beam acceleration module according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first connecting segment (13) disposed between the electrostatic acceleration unit (11) and the radio frequency acceleration unit (12). The first connecting segment (13) is sealed to the electrostatic acceleration unit (11) and the radio frequency acceleration unit (12) respectively. A first proton channel (133) is provided in the first connecting segment (13) for the transmission of the proton beam. The proton beam accelerated by the electrostatic acceleration unit (11) passes through the first proton channel (133) to enter the radio frequency acceleration unit (12). And / or, the first connecting segment (13) includes a first housing (131), which is an electromagnetic shielding housing.

3. The proton beam acceleration module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrostatic acceleration unit (11) includes an electrostatic accelerator; the radio frequency acceleration unit (12) includes a radio frequency quadrupole accelerator (121) and a drift tube linear accelerator (122) for accelerating the proton beam, respectively. The electrostatic accelerator, the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator (121) and the drift tube linear accelerator (122) are arranged sequentially along the proton beam transmission direction to accelerate the proton beam step by step.

4. The proton beam acceleration module according to claim 3, characterized in that, A second connecting section (14) is provided between the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator (121) and the drift tube linear accelerator (122). The second connecting section (14) is sealed to the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator (121) and the drift tube linear accelerator (122) respectively. A second proton channel (142) is provided in the second connecting section (14) for the transmission of the proton beam. The proton beam accelerated by the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator (121) passes through the second proton channel (142) to enter the drift tube linear accelerator (122). And / or, the second connecting segment (14) is provided with a second housing (141), the second housing (141) being an electromagnetic shielding housing.

5. The proton beam acceleration module according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second proton channel (142) is provided with a coupler (144) at one end connected to the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator (121). And / or, the second proton channel (142) is provided with an impedance matching device (145) at the end connected to the drift tube linear accelerator (122).

6. The proton beam acceleration module according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electrostatic accelerator, the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator (121), and the drift tube linear accelerator (122) are each connected to a vacuum pump (15), and the interiors of the electrostatic accelerator, the radio frequency quadrupole accelerator (121), and the drift tube linear accelerator (122) are evacuated by the corresponding vacuum pump (15).

7. The proton beam acceleration module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrostatic acceleration unit (11) includes an electrostatic accelerator; the radio frequency acceleration unit (12) includes a superconducting radio frequency accelerator. The electrostatic accelerator and the superconducting radio frequency accelerator are arranged sequentially along the proton beam transmission direction to accelerate the proton beam step by step.

8. A neutron source device, characterized in that, include: Target (51); Plasma source module (2) is used to ionize the gas to be ionized to generate plasma; The proton extraction module (3) is connected to the output end of the plasma source module (2) and is used to extract a proton beam from the plasma; The proton beam acceleration module (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 is disposed between the proton extraction module (3) and the target (51). The proton beam acceleration module (1) is used to accelerate the proton beam extracted by the proton extraction module (3) and to bombard the target (51) with the accelerated proton beam to generate neutrons.

9. The neutron source device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plasma source module (2) includes a shell for forming an ionization chamber (21), a microwave source (22) for injecting microwaves into the ionization chamber (21), a magnetic component (23) for generating a magnetic field acting on the ionization chamber (21), and an air inlet pipe (24) connected to the ionization chamber (21). The air inlet pipe (24) is used to inject the gas to be ionized into the ionization chamber (21). The magnetic element (23) is disposed on the outside of the ionization chamber (21) to provide an axial magnetic field to the ionization chamber (21); the magnetic element (23) is a multi-stage magnet.

10. The neutron source device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The target (51) is located on the side of the proton beam emitted by the radio frequency acceleration unit (12) in the proton beam acceleration module (1), and the target (51) is detachably connected to the radio frequency acceleration unit (12).

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