Composite X-ray Target Interposing Layer Spectrum Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray tubes face challenges in generating desired X-ray energy spectrum distributions and have short target life due to high evaporation rates and excessive radiation doses, particularly in transmission and reflection types.
Innovation Solution
A composite target with an interposing layer is used in the X-ray tube, allowing for adjustment of X-ray energy spectrum by controlling tube voltage and filtering low energy photons, while a protective layer extends the target's service life by mitigating electron bombardment effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single target with fixed thickness is used, then the target structure is simple, but the X-ray energy spectrum distribution cannot be adjusted flexibly
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into multiple layers with different materials and thicknesses. Each layer can be independently optimized to produce specific X-ray energy spectra. By selecting different combinations of layers, various X-ray energy distributions can be achieved without changing the overall target structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite target structure combining multiple materials (e.g., tungsten, molybdenum, aluminum, copper) with different atomic numbers and melting points. This allows the target to generate diverse X-ray energy spectra while maintaining structural integrity and heat dissipation capabilities.
2Quantity of substance
If the target thickness is increased to generate more X-ray photons, then the X-ray photon amount increases, but the low energy photon proportion increases causing excessive radiation dose
Solution Approach 1:
Different layers of the target have different material properties optimized for specific functions. The first layer (higher atomic number) generates X-ray photons, while subsequent layers with lower atomic numbers filter out low energy photons. This local differentiation allows the target to produce sufficient photon quantity while reducing harmful low energy radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate layers with specific atomic numbers and thicknesses are introduced between the primary target layer and the output. These intermediary layers act as filters that selectively absorb low energy photons while transmitting high energy photons, thus reducing radiation dose without significantly reducing the useful X-ray flux.
3Speed
If the tube voltage is increased to improve penetration, then the high energy photon amount increases, but the target temperature increases causing high evaporation rate
Solution Approach 1:
The target is segmented into multiple layers with different thermal properties. The first layer handles the electron bombardment and X-ray generation, while subsequent layers provide thermal management. This segmentation allows the system to operate at high tube voltages for improved penetration while the layered structure manages the thermal load to reduce evaporation.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite target structure uses materials with different thermal conductivities and melting points. The primary target material has high atomic number for efficient X-ray generation, while subsequent layers have high thermal conductivity to dissipate heat. This composite approach enables high tube voltage operation without excessive target temperature and evaporation.
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 composite target enables flexible generation of X-ray energy spectrum distributions, enhancing high energy photon production and reducing low energy photon harm, thereby improving penetration and extending the target's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
each target with different thickness (13 μm, 50 μm, and 100 μm) has different bremsstrahlung distribution
Implementation Method 2
a low energy photon of the X-ray is filtered by the interposing layer
Data Source
AI summary
A composite target is provided and is interacted with an electron to generate an X-ray, and an energy of the electron can be changed by controlling a tube voltage at least. The composite target includes a target body and an interposing layer which is connected with the target body. The interposing layer moves a highest peak of an energy spectrum of the X-ray toward a high energy direction. The interposing layer may be a single metal or a metal mixture. Not only a low energy photon of the X-ray can be filtered by the interposing layer, but also a distribution of the low energy photon of the X-ray can be increased by increasing a thickness of the interposing layer. As the tube voltage is enhanced, an amount of a high energy photon of the X-ray generated is dramatically increased. An X-ray tube containing the above composite target is also provided.