Compact Ion Accelerator Source Using Nanostructures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neutron generators for oil well logging rely on radioactive sources, which pose risks of proliferation, contamination, and health hazards, and existing non-radioactive alternatives do not efficiently produce neutrons with a similar energy spectrum.
Innovation Solution
A compact ion source using a substrate with conductive nanostructures and a catalytic coating to dissociate molecular species into atomic species, enhancing neutron yield through field ionization and acceleration in a particle accelerator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If deuterium or tritium gas is ionized and accelerated for neutron generation, then neutron production is achieved, but the neutron yield is insufficient when using molecular species compared to atomic species
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical state of the gas by using a catalytic coating to dissociate molecular deuterium or tritium (D2/T2) into atomic species (D/T). This parameter change from molecular to atomic state increases the reaction cross-section and neutron yield in fusion reactions
Solution Approach 2:
A catalytic coating is introduced as an intermediary substance on the substrate surface to facilitate the dissociation of molecular species into atomic species. The catalyst enables the conversion process without being consumed, increasing the concentration of reactive atomic species available for ionization and fusion
2Productivity
If conventional ion generators are used to produce atomic ions, then neutron generation is achieved, but the device size is large and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional large-scale ion generator is segmented into a compact configuration using a substrate with conductive nanostructures. The nanostructures create localized field enhancement at their tips, enabling efficient ionization in a much smaller volume than conventional generators
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive nanostructures on the substrate create highly localized regions of intense electric field at their tips. This local field enhancement enables efficient ionization of atomic species in a concentrated region, reducing the overall device size and power requirements while maintaining high neutron yield
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 solution enables the production of a higher neutron yield with reduced power consumption and a more compact design compared to conventional ion generators, addressing the limitations of radioactive sources while minimizing environmental and health risks.
Implementation Method 1
A catalytic coating is formed on the nanostructures, the substrate, or both, for dissociation of a molecular species into an atomic species
Implementation Method 2
the target electrode being biased relative to the substrate with a first bias voltage to ionize the atomic species in proximity to the free-standing tips
Implementation Method 3
attract the ionized atomic species from the substrate in the direction of the target electrode
Implementation Method 4
a substrate with a conductive surface, the substrate including a plurality of conductive nanostructures with free-standing tips formed on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An ion source includes a conductive substrate, the substrate including a plurality of conductive nanostructures with free-standing tips formed on the substrate. A conductive catalytic coating is formed on the nanostructures and substrate for dissociation of a molecular species into an atomic species, the molecular species being brought in contact with the catalytic coating. A target electrode placed apart from the substrate, the target electrode being biased relative to the substrate with a first bias voltage to ionize the atomic species in proximity to the free-standing tips and attract the ionized atomic species from the substrate in the direction of the target electrode.