Dielectric Cathode Interface for Compact X-Ray Source Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray tube technologies face limitations in miniaturization due to high voltage requirements, electrical insulation needs, and thermal management, leading to large dimensions and inefficiencies in X-ray generation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dielectric/vacuum interface instead of a metal/vacuum interface for the cathode electrode, allowing for higher electrical fields without parasitic electron emissions, and the integration of a cold cathode with a dielectric mechanical part for reduced dimensions and improved thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal/vacuum interface is used for the cathode electrode, then electrical isolation is maintained, but parasitic electron emissions occur due to high electric fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dielectric layer as an intermediary between the metal cathode electrode and the vacuum. This dielectric interface prevents direct contact between the metal and vacuum, eliminating the metal-vacuum interface that causes parasitic electron emissions through tunneling effects, while still allowing the electric field to function properly for electron emission control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the interface by replacing the metal-vacuum interface with a dielectric-vacuum interface. This parameter change modifies the electrical properties at the interface, preventing parasitic electron emissions while maintaining the necessary electrical isolation and field control capabilities
2Volume of moving object
If the dimensions of X-ray tubes are reduced, then miniaturization is achieved, but electrical insulation and thermal management become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures combining metal electrodes with dielectric materials. The dielectric mechanical part integrated with the cathode electrode provides both electrical insulation and structural support in a compact configuration, enabling miniaturization while maintaining adequate electrical isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the dielectric insulation function with the mechanical structural support function into a single integrated dielectric mechanical part. This combination eliminates the need for separate insulation components, reducing overall device dimensions while maintaining electrical isolation and thermal management capabilities
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermionic cathodes are used, then electron emission is achieved, but high operating temperatures cause expansion and evaporation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermionic emission mechanism (which relies on thermal energy) with a field emission mechanism based on the dielectric-vacuum interface. This substitution eliminates the need for high operating temperatures, avoiding thermal expansion and evaporation issues while maintaining effective electron emission control
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 miniaturization of X-ray sources while maintaining high voltage capabilities and reducing noise emissions, leading to more compact and efficient ionizing radiation generation.
Implementation Method 1
The source (10) comprises a mechanical part (28) formed in a dielectric material having a dielectric rigidity greater than 30mV/m
Implementation Method 2
an electrode (24) disposed in vicinity of the cathode (14) and for generating an electron beam (18)
Implementation Method 3
an anode (16) receiving the electron beam (18) and comprising a target (20) capable of generating ionizing radiation (22) as a function of the energy received from the electron beam (18)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a source generating ionising rays, and in particular X-rays, an assembly comprising a plurality of sources and a method for producing the source. The ionising ray-generating source comprises: · a vacuum chamber (12), · a cathode (14) capable of emitting an electron beam (18) in the vacuum chamber (12), · an anode (16) receiving the electron beam (18) and comprising a target (20) capable of generating an ionising radiation (22) from the energy received from the electron beam (18), and · an electrode (24) arranged in the vicinity of the cathode (14) and forming a Wehnelt electrode. According to the invention, the electrode (24) is composed of a conductive surface adhering to a concave face (26) of a dielectric material.