Bi-directional Ion Source with Segmented Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid state atom and ion sources suffer from inefficiencies such as high power consumption, magnetic field generation, and poor current conversion efficiency due to wide metal finger electrodes and low density of triple-phase boundaries, which limits their application in atomic sensors and other systems.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional device with a solid-phase ion-conducting material and electrodes positioned on its surfaces, featuring a high density of triple-phase boundaries and a porous structure that interconnects ion and electron conductors, allowing for efficient generation or absorption of atoms or ions at low power and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If shadow masked evaporated electrodes are used in solid state atom sources, then the device structure is simple, but the current conversion efficiency is low due to wide metal fingers and low density of triple-phase boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into narrow interdigitated fingers that create numerous triple-phase boundaries. The metal fingers are divided into multiple narrow parallel conductors rather than wide continuous electrodes, increasing the surface area and TPB density for efficient atom generation while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode design transitions from planar wide fingers to three-dimensional interdigitated narrow fingers with increased surface area. This dimensional transformation creates more triple-phase boundaries where metal, ion-conducting ceramic, and vacuum meet, dramatically improving current conversion efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If heated chemical reactions are used with alkali sources, then atoms can be produced, but large amounts of current and power are drawn and high temperatures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal heating mechanisms with direct electrochemical reactions at the triple-phase boundaries. Instead of heating the entire alkali source to high temperatures, electrical energy is directly converted to chemical energy at the electrode-ceramic-vacuum interfaces, producing atoms efficiently at low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating parameters are changed from high temperature (heated chemical reactions) to low temperature with controlled electrical potential. The electrochemical reactions at the TPBs enable atom generation at significantly lower temperatures, reducing power consumption while maintaining atom production efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If high currents are used in alkali sources, then atoms can be generated, but magnetic fields are produced which are undesirable for atomic sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-current thermal processes with low-current electrochemical reactions. By using electrochemical mechanisms at the triple-phase boundaries, atom generation is achieved with minimal current flow, eliminating the generation of harmful magnetic fields while maintaining effective atom production for atomic sensors.
4Manufacturing precision
If narrow slot shadow masks are fabricated by laser machining or MEMS etching, then electrode width can be reduced, but interpenetration of metal and ion-conducting phases is not achieved and adhesion is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the metal electrode phase with the ion-conducting ceramic phase through direct contact and interpenetration at the triple-phase boundaries. The narrow metal fingers are embedded within or in direct contact with the ceramic, creating strong adhesive bonds while maintaining precise narrow dimensions for efficient atom generation.
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
The device achieves improved current efficiency, enhanced adhesion, and durability, enabling efficient alkali metal or ion generation and absorption in vacuum systems with reduced power consumption and temperature, suitable for atomic sensors and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a solid-phase ion-conducting material and electrodes positioned on its surfaces, featuring a high density of triple-phase boundaries
Implementation Method 2
efficient generation or absorption of atoms or ions at low power and temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A bi-directional device for generating or absorbing atoms or ions. In some embodiments, the device comprises a solid-phase ion-conducting material, a first electrode positioned on a first surface of the solid-phase ion-conducting material, and a second electrode positioned on a second surface of the solid-phase ion-conducting material. The first electrode includes a plurality of triple phase boundaries, each located at an interface between the solid-phase ion-conducting material and the first electrode. A density of the triple phase boundaries is in the range of about 104 m/m2 to about 2×107 m/m2 on the first surface of the ion-conducting material. A method of operating the bi-directional device and a method of fabricating a bi-directional device are also provided.