3D Conical Target Array for Polychromatic Radiography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating neutrons, such as Dense Plasma Focus machines, are limited by maximum neutron energy and require radioactive tritium, while conventional laser-target approaches can produce higher energy neutrons but are costly and require intense beam intensities, lacking a efficient and cost-effective solution for identifying both high and low atomic number materials.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a conical target array with multiple tip materials, where a laser beam is microfocused onto the tips to generate x-rays and other particles, allowing for a broad energy spectrum and directional emission, enabling the separation of high and low atomic number material identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Dense Plasma Focus machine is used to generate neutrons, then neutron generation is achieved, but maximum neutron energy is limited to 14 MeV and radioactive tritium is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the target into multiple conical structures with different tip materials (e.g., high-Z materials like tungsten for x-rays, low-Z materials like deuterium for neutrons). Each cone segment is optimized for specific particle generation, allowing simultaneous production of multiple particle types with different energy characteristics when irradiated by a single laser beam.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the target array have different material compositions tailored for specific functions. The tip materials are selectively chosen to optimize local interactions with the laser beam, producing x-rays from high-Z materials and neutrons from low-Z materials at different spatial locations within the same target array.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional laser-target approach is used to generate high energy neutrons, then neutron energy exceeds 15 MeV with continuous tunability, but laser cost is high requiring beam intensity exceeding 1×10^18 W/cm^2
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple target materials into a single array structure that can be irradiated by a single laser beam. This combination allows the system to achieve broad energy spectrum output (both x-rays and neutrons with tunable energies) while using lower laser intensities compared to conventional single-material targets, as the conical geometry and material composition optimize energy conversion efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mixed source of x-rays and neutrons is used, then both high Z and low Z materials can be identified, but current methods lack cost-effectiveness and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The conical target array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates both x-rays (for high-Z material identification) and neutrons (for low-Z material identification) from a single structure irradiated by one laser beam. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate particle sources, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to identify both high and low atomic number materials.
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 approach enables the efficient generation of x-rays and neutrons with a broad energy spectrum, facilitating the identification of both high and low atomic number materials, while reducing costs and eliminating the need for radioactive materials.
Implementation Method 1
A laser beam can irradiate a target to facilitate generation of x-rays and other particles
Implementation Method 2
at least one photon in a laser beam can impinge upon the base and enter the first tip material to facilitate generation of at least one of a first x-ray photon or a first particle
Data Source
AI summary
The various technologies presented herein relate to the generation of x-rays and other charged particles. A plurality of disparate source materials can be combined on an array to facilitate fabrication of co-located mixed tips (point sources) which can be utilized to form a polychromatic cloud, e.g., a plurality of x-rays having a range of energies and or wavelengths, etc. The tips can be formed such that the x-rays are emitted in a direction different to other charged particles to facilitate clean x-ray sourcing. Particles, such as protons, can be directionally emitted to facilitate generation of neutrons at a secondary target. The various particles can be generated by interaction of a laser irradiating the array of tips. The tips can be incorporated into a plurality of 3D conical targets, the conical target sidewall(s) can be utilized to microfocus a portion of a laser beam onto the tip material.