Dual Stripper Foil System for Cyclotron Beam Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stripping foils in cyclotrons are fragile and have limited durability and extraction efficiency due to repeated ion hits and vacuum conditions, requiring frequent replacement and complicating maintenance, especially in smaller cyclotrons.
Innovation Solution
A dual stripper foil system where a thinner, high-efficiency first foil is backed up by a thicker, more durable second foil, allowing continuous operation without stopping the beam or opening the cyclotron, with the second foil positioned peripherally and adjustable support means for optimal extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a thin stripping foil is used to achieve high extraction efficiency, then the extraction efficiency is improved, but the durability and reliability of the stripping system deteriorates due to frequent damage from repeated ion hits
Solution Approach 1:
The single stripping foil is segmented into multiple foils arranged in a rotating wheel structure. Each foil can be independently positioned into the beam path, allowing the system to switch between foils when one becomes damaged, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple stripping foils are pre-installed on the rotating wheel in advance. When the first foil becomes damaged, the system can immediately rotate the wheel to bring a fresh foil into position without stopping the beam, preventing downtime and maintaining continuous operation.
2Device complexity
If a single stripping foil is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the maintenance time and operational interruptions increase due to frequent foil replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The stripping system transitions from a static single foil to a dynamic rotating wheel with multiple foils. The wheel can rotate to bring different foils into the beam path as needed, enabling quick replacement without mechanical disassembly or opening the cyclotron vacuum chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating wheel mechanism automatically positions the next available foil into the beam path when rotation is actuated, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex replacement procedures. The system serves itself by providing continuous access to functional foils.
3Productivity
If the stripping foil is positioned at the periphery of the cyclotron, then the extraction efficiency is improved, but the foil is more exposed to vacuum losses and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple backup foils are pre-positioned on the rotating wheel to cushion against the harmful effects of vacuum losses. When vacuum degradation occurs and damages a foil, the system has pre-prepared replacements ready to be quickly brought into service, minimizing the impact of environmental damage.
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 configuration enhances the cyclotron's throughput and reduces maintenance time by enabling seamless switching to a backup foil when the first foil is damaged, maintaining high extraction efficiency and durability even during vacuum losses.
Implementation Method 1
the two stripped electrons are used to measure the current of the negative ion beam by means of grounded acquisition electronics. Since in a cyclotron this interaction takes place in the magnetic field which provides the rotational component of the accelerating orbit, the change of the specific charge of the ion results in the change of direction of the ion orbit after the stripper foil.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a stripping member for stripping electrons off a negatively charged particle beam at the periphery of a cyclotron for extracting a particle beam out of said cyclotron, said stripping member comprising a first stripper foil adapted for being located at the periphery of said cyclotron so that said particle beam passes through said first stripper foil, characterized in that it comprises a second stripper foil adapted for being located side-by-side with the first foil at the periphery of said cyclotron at a more peripheral radius than said first stripper foil so that said negatively charged particle beam passes through said second stripper foil when said first stripper foil is damaged.