3D Beam-Forming X-Ray Source With Steerable Multi-Target Anode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional miniature X-ray sources used in intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) are expensive, have a limited operating life, may not provide optimal voltage for therapeutic effects, and have difficulty in controlling radiation characteristics for conformal radiation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for controlling an electron beam to generate X-ray radiation, involving an electron beam generator, a drift tube maintained at vacuum pressure, a target element, and a beam-former structure. The electron beam is steered to intersect the target element at varying locations, allowing control over the X-ray beam pattern and direction through the use of an electron beam steering unit and an EBG control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional miniature X-ray sources are used for IORT, then the X-ray source can be small and portable, but the operating life is very limited and the source must be replaced after a limited number of patients
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is segmented into multiple target elements arranged in different orientations. Each target element can be selectively bombarded by the electron beam, allowing the system to distribute wear across multiple targets rather than depleting a single target, thereby extending the overall operating life of the X-ray source.
Solution Approach 2:
The electron beam is dynamically steered to intersect different target elements at different locations and angles. This dynamic beam steering allows selective activation of different target elements, preventing any single target from being overused and extending the operational lifespan of the entire anode assembly.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional miniature X-ray sources are used for IORT, then the source size is reduced, but the voltage available is moderately high and may not be optimal for desired therapeutic effect
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is divided into multiple target elements with different orientations and materials. This segmentation allows the system to optimize X-ray production for different therapeutic requirements by selecting appropriate target elements, effectively providing multiple voltage and spectral characteristics from a compact source.
Solution Approach 2:
The anode utilizes composite structure with multiple target elements made of different materials (e.g., tungsten, gold, molybdenum) arranged in specific orientations. This composite approach enables the compact source to deliver optimized X-ray spectra and voltages for different therapeutic applications.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional miniature X-ray sources are used for IORT, then the source is compact, but the radiation characteristics are difficult to control for conformal radiation therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is segmented into multiple target elements arranged in different orientations (e.g., vertical, horizontal, angled). By selectively bombarding specific target elements, the system can control the direction and pattern of X-ray emission, enabling conformal radiation therapy with a compact source.
Solution Approach 2:
The electron beam is dynamically steered to intersect different target elements at controlled locations and angles. This dynamic control allows precise adjustment of X-ray beam characteristics including direction, intensity, and spatial distribution, providing ease of operation for conformal radiation delivery.
4Device complexity
If conventional X-ray sources are used, then the source structure is simple, but the expense is very high and the useful operating life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The anode is segmented into multiple target elements that can be selectively used. This segmentation extends the useful operating life by distributing wear across multiple targets, improving cost-effectiveness while maintaining a relatively simple overall source structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic electron beam steering system allows selective activation of different target elements, maximizing the utilization of each target and extending the operational life of the source. This dynamic control improves cost-effectiveness without requiring a dramatically more complex source structure.
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
This approach enables the generation of X-ray beams that can be precisely controlled in direction and pattern, allowing for optimized delivery of radiation doses in IORT procedures, potentially extending the useful life of the X-ray source and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The filament produces electrons (by means of thermionic emission, field emission, or similar means)
Implementation Method 2
When the electrons are decelerated in the target material of the anode, they produce X-rays
Implementation Method 3
A method and system for controlling an electron beam involves generating an electron beam and positioning a target element in the path of the electron beam
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating X-ray photons. The methods comprise: generating an electron beam; positioning hollow pedestals in the path of the electron beam (the hollow pedestals being radially spaced apart from each other and extending out and away from a major planar face of a base plate); generating X-ray radiation as a result of an interaction of the electron beam with target element(s) disposed at a distal end of a respective pedestal of the hollow pedestals; causing the X-ray radiation to interact with a beam shield comprising wall elements extending out and away from the major planar face of the base plate; and setting at least one of a beam shape and direction of the X-ray radiation by selectively controlling a location where the electron beam intersects the target element(s) to determine an interaction of the X-ray radiation with the wall elements.