Acousto-Optic Tunable X-ray Filter for Fast Absorption Spectra
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time-resolved X-ray absorption spectrum measurement devices are limited by slow measurement speed due to mechanical motion and suffer from data matching errors, while alternative methods offer low accuracy and inflexible energy resolution.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing an acousto-optic tunable X-ray filter with a radio frequency transmitter, ionization chambers, and a computer for in-situ measurement, eliminating mechanical motion and enabling high-speed, high-precision X-ray absorption spectrum analysis by sequentially adjusting photon wavelengths and calculating absorption coefficients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a double-crystal monochromator is used for measuring X-ray absorption spectrum, then the measurement device can obtain absorption spectrum data, but the measurement speed is slow due to continuous mechanical motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical double-crystal monochromator system with an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) that uses acoustic waves to diffract and select X-ray wavelengths. This substitution eliminates continuous mechanical motion while maintaining the ability to select and tune X-ray energies, thereby achieving fast time-resolved measurement capability with millisecond or sub-millisecond time resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the AOTF by adjusting the frequency and amplitude of acoustic waves applied to the crystal to select different X-ray wavelengths. This allows rapid tuning of photon energy without mechanical movement, enabling fast acquisition of absorption spectra across different energy points.
2Measurement precision
If a double-crystal monochromator is used for measuring X-ray absorption spectrum, then the absorption spectrum can be obtained, but data matching errors occur due to parallel mechanical motion and continuous data acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical monochromator with an acousto-optic filter, the patent eliminates the synchronization problems between mechanical motion and data acquisition. The AOTF can be precisely controlled to step through discrete wavelength points, and the computer system can accurately track and record the corresponding photon energy and absorption coefficient without the complexity of matching continuous mechanical position with continuous data streams.
3Speed
If a curved crystal with linear CCD detector is used for fast measurement, then ultra-fast measurement with microsecond time resolution can be achieved, but measurement accuracy and energy resolution are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an acousto-optic tunable filter instead of a curved crystal diffraction system with linear CCD detector. The AOTF coupled with ionization chambers provides both fast response time (millisecond or sub-millisecond) and high measurement accuracy, as the ionization chambers can precisely measure X-ray intensity while the AOTF maintains good energy resolution through acoustic wave control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the acoustic wave parameters (frequency, amplitude) to precisely control the diffracted X-ray wavelength, maintaining energy resolution. The ionization chambers detect X-ray intensity with high precision, and the computer processes the absorption coefficient data to generate accurate absorption spectra, achieving a balance between speed and accuracy.
4Speed
If a curved crystal with linear CCD detector is used for fast measurement, then ultra-fast measurement can be achieved, but the measurement band cannot be flexibly adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an acousto-optic tunable filter where the diffracted wavelength can be continuously adjusted by changing the acoustic wave frequency and amplitude. This allows flexible selection of different energy ranges and wavelengths, providing adaptability for measuring absorption spectra of different samples and elements while maintaining fast measurement capability through electronic control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fast, accurate, and flexible measurement of X-ray absorption spectra in milliseconds with reduced measurement errors, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an acousto-optic tunable X-ray filter, comprising a sound absorber, an X-ray crystal and a piezoelectric crystal transducer
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric crystal transducer
Implementation Method 3
a front ionization chamber, a front ionization chamber signal amplifier, a sample to be tested, a rear ionization chamber, a rear ionization chamber signal amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
Device and method for measuring in-situ time-resolved X-ray absorption spectrum. The device comprises an X-ray source, a first slit, an acousto-optic tunable X-ray filter, a radio frequency transmitter, a second slit, a front ionization chamber, a front ionization chamber signal amplifier, a sample to be tested, a rear ionization chamber, a rear ionization chamber signal amplifier, a data collector, and a computer. The X-ray source, the acousto-optic tunable X-ray filter, and the radio frequency transmitter are used to generate a monochromatic X-ray beam; the front ionization chamber is used to measure the intensity of the X-ray beam before passing through the sample; the rear ionization chamber is used to measure the intensity of the X-ray beam after passing through the sample; the front ionization chamber signal amplifier, the rear ionization chamber signal amplifier, the data collector, and the computer are used for data acquisition and data processing.