Cylindrical Target Laser Irradiation for Nanocarbon Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for generating carbon nanobrushes using a laser beam on a carbon target with a catalyst face challenges in achieving consistent production due to dependencies on the laser irradiation angle.

Innovation Solution

A nanocarbon generation apparatus and method that utilize a cylindrical target containing carbon and a catalyst, with a laser irradiator configured to irradiate the target's peripheral surface at an incident angle between 50° and 80°, optimizing the conditions for efficient carbon nanobrushes production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a laser beam is used to irradiate a carbon target containing a catalyst, then carbon nanobrushes can be generated, but the generation is difficult to achieve depending on the laser irradiation angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarbon nanobrush generation efficiencyVSAvoidgeneration consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the laser irradiation angle to a specific range (50°-80° relative to the normal line) to resolve the contradiction between generation efficiency and consistency. This parameter optimization ensures that carbon nanobrushes can be reliably generated regardless of the target's rotational position or laser source location, transforming a variable process into a consistent one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the laser irradiation angle is not controlled, then the apparatus structure can be simpler, but the generation of carbon nanobrushes becomes unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus structureVSAvoidnanobrush generation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamics by allowing the target to rotate during laser irradiation, which dynamically adjusts the effective irradiation angle. This dynamic approach compensates for variations in laser source position and target orientation, maintaining reliable nanobrush generation without requiring complex fixed-angle mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for easy and efficient generation of carbon nanobrushes with high purity and reduced impurities like graphite, enhancing the production rate and quality of nanocarbon materials.

Implementation Method 1

a laser irradiator configured to irradiate a peripheral surface of the cylindrical target with a laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS20250042745A1Nanocarbon generation apparatus and nanocarbon manufacturing method

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 NEC CORP

AI summary

A nanocarbon generation apparatus includes a cylindrical target that contains carbon and a catalyst, and a laser irradiator configured to irradiate a peripheral surface of the cylindrical target with a laser beam at an incident angle of 50° or more and 80° or less, the incident angle being an angle between the laser beam and a normal line of the peripheral surface in a portion irradiated with the laser beam.