CNT Field Emission Tomosynthesis for Focused High-Resolution X-Rays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray apparatuses face limitations in achieving high-resolution imaging due to insufficient X-ray dose and spatial resolving power, requiring large particle accelerators and filament-based electron emission sources.
Innovation Solution
A field emission-type tomosynthesis system utilizing multiple electron sources, including carbon nanotubes, and adjustable anodes within a vacuum body to focus X-rays on an object, allowing for independent adjustment of X-ray emission angles and improved electron emission performance through high-temperature heat treatment of carbon nanotubes grown on a patterned metal substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional filament-based electron emission sources are used, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the X-ray dose (flux) is insufficient and resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the emission mechanism parameter from thermal emission (filament-based) to field emission (carbon nanotube-based). This parameter change enables high electron flux density and high brightness, achieving micrometer-scale spatial resolution without requiring large particle accelerators. The field emission process occurs at room temperature with low voltage, maintaining structural simplicity while dramatically improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs carbon nanotubes as the electron emission source, combining the advantages of nanomaterials with field emission technology. The carbon nanotube array structure provides high electron emission efficiency, high brightness, and long operational life, achieving both high resolution and sufficient X-ray dose without increasing apparatus complexity.
2Reliability
If carbon nanotubes are grown without pattern formation, then the manufacturing process is simple, but different carbon nanotubes interfere with each other during electron emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the carbon nanotube array into individually addressable units by forming holes through the substrate at regular intervals. Each hole region contains carbon nanotubes that can be independently controlled, eliminating interference between adjacent nanotubes during electron emission. This segmentation is achieved through a simple photolithography process that defines the hole pattern, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving emission reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If high voltage is applied to carbon nanotubes, then electron emission increases, but the risk of damage and reduced lifespan increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter from high voltage to low voltage (1-5 kV) by utilizing the high field emission efficiency of carbon nanotubes. The low voltage operation reduces stress on the nanotube structure, minimizing damage risk and extending emitter lifespan. Meanwhile, the field emission mechanism ensures sufficient electron emission quantity through the high electron affinity and sharp tip geometry of carbon nanotubes, which concentrate electric field lines and enhance emission at lower voltages.
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 system enhances X-ray focusing capabilities, minimizes leakage, and enables high-resolution 3D imaging, facilitating early diagnosis of diseases like lung cancer while simplifying pattern formation and reducing carbon nanotube interference, with improved field emission performance even at low voltages.
Implementation Method 1
a field emission-type tomosynthesis system capable of creating a 3D image from a photographed image by emitting and focusing a plurality of X-rays on an object
Implementation Method 2
When a high voltage of tens of thousands of volts or more is applied to the anode of the X-ray tube, electron flow emitted from the cathode moves toward the anode at high speed. At this time, when the electron flow collides with a counter electrode made of tungsten, molybdenum, etc., which is the anode, energy is emitted as X-rays.
Implementation Method 3
an X-ray emission angle of each of the anodes is capable of being independently adjusted so as to focus the X-rays emitted toward an object located outside the body
Implementation Method 4
improved electron emission performance through high-temperature heat treatment of carbon nanotubes grown on a patterned metal substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a field emission-type tomosynthesis system including a vacuum body having a space therein; a plurality of sources provided inside the body, wherein each of the sources emits a plurality of electrons; and a plurality of anodes disposed inside the body to face the sources and responsible for emitting a plurality of X-rays, wherein each of the anodes faces a corresponding source among the sources, and the electrons collide with each of the anodes to generate X-rays, wherein the X-ray emission angle of each of the anodes is capable of being independently adjusted so as to focus the X-rays emitted toward an object located outside the body. With this configuration, a plurality of X-rays is focused on an object and is emitted to the object to obtain information, and the information is synthesized, thereby improving the reliability of information about the object.