Conical Shell Diffraction Detector for Real-Time Material Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray crystallography is a slow technique due to low scattered radiation intensity, making it unsuitable for real-time or on-line inspection applications, and it lacks the ability to combine scattering and absorption data effectively for material identification.
Innovation Solution
A sample inspection apparatus employing a source of electromagnetic radiation that produces a conical shell of radiation, with a detection system featuring a grid structure collimator and coded aperture to enhance diffracted radiation detection, allowing for improved signal-to-noise ratio and material identification through the analysis of Debye cones and caustic patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional X-ray crystallography is used to detect scattered radiation, then material identification accuracy is improved, but measurement speed deteriorates due to low scattered radiation intensity requiring long integration periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional point-by-point diffraction measurement to a dimensional approach by detecting the entire conical shell of scattered radiation simultaneously. The detection surface captures radiation scattered at all angles within the conical shell defined by the annular collimator, converting a time-integration problem into a spatial-detection problem that preserves material identification accuracy while enabling real-time measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the scattered radiation detection into angular zones using the annular collimator with its radially extending septa. The collimator divides the conical shell into discrete angular segments that map to specific regions on the detection surface, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple scattering angles while maintaining the ability to identify materials through their diffraction patterns.
2Productivity
If conventional absorption imaging is used, then imaging speed is improved, but material discrimination capability deteriorates as it cannot identify materials beyond basic absorption characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the speed advantage of absorption imaging with the material discrimination capability of diffraction analysis. By positioning the detection surface to capture scattered radiation while the primary beam continues for absorption imaging, the system combines both techniques in a single measurement cycle, achieving real-time material identification without sacrificing imaging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular collimator acts as an intermediary that redirects scattered radiation from the sample to the detection surface without interfering with the primary absorption imaging beam. This intermediary structure enables simultaneous collection of diffraction data for material identification and absorption data for imaging, resolving the contradiction between speed and discrimination capability.
3Illumination intensity
If a focused collimator is used to concentrate diffracted radiation, then signal intensity is improved, but device complexity increases due to precise focusing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different collimation characteristics at different radial positions of the annular collimator. The septa are arranged to define specific angular acceptance zones for different regions of the detection surface, optimizing signal collection for each angular sector while maintaining a relatively simple overall collimator structure without complex focusing mechanisms.
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 apparatus significantly enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and enables faster material identification by focusing on diffracted radiation patterns, allowing for real-time analysis and integration with absorption data for comprehensive material characterization.
Implementation Method 1
a beam former for producing a substantially conical shell of radiation, said conical shell being incident on a sample to be inspected
Implementation Method 2
a detection surface arranged to receive diffracted radiation after incidence of the conical shell beam upon the sample to be inspected
Implementation Method 3
an unfocused collimator provided at or close to the detection surface and having a grid structure formed of cells which each stare at different portions of the conical shell
Data Source
AI summary
A sample inspection apparatus includes a source of electromagnetic radiation, a beam former for producing a plurality of coaxial and substantially conical shells of radiation, a detection surface and a set of conical shell slot collimators. Each conical shell has a different opening angle. The detection surface is arranged to receive diffracted radiation after incidence of one or more of the conical shells upon the sample to be inspected. The set of conical shell slot collimators is provided at or close to the detection surface which each stare at different annular regions of different corresponding conical shells.