Electron Beam Control Circuit for X-ray Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray source control circuits suffer from slow transitions between current levels, leading to lags in magnetic field magnitude change, which affects the focusing strength and directional steering of electron beams, resulting in less-than-optimal X-ray emission and image quality in imaging and treatment modalities.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit with a low voltage source for maintaining average current and a high voltage source for rapid switching, along with control logic for regulating current through electron beam manipulation coils, allowing for independent control of each coil and faster switching times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional control circuit is used to control electron beam manipulation coils, then the system structure is simple, but the transition between current levels is slow causing lags in magnetic field magnitude change
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is segmented into multiple switching devices (first switching device, second switching device, third switching device) that operate in coordinated sequences. Each switching device controls specific current paths independently, allowing rapid transitions between different current levels by activating appropriate segments of the circuit without requiring complete circuit reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit implements dynamic current level transitions through timed switching sequences. The switching devices change states based on operational requirements, enabling the magnetic field magnitude to change rapidly from one level to another. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt current levels in real-time rather than being constrained by static or slowly transitioning circuit designs.
2Manufacturing precision
If slower switching is used in control circuits, then the circuit design is simpler, but the focusing strength and directional steering of electron beams are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit incorporates feedback mechanisms where the state of switching devices is monitored and used to determine subsequent switching actions. This ensures that current levels are precisely controlled and maintained at desired values, enabling accurate electron beam focusing and steering. The coordinated switching sequences provide precise control over magnetic field magnitude changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching devices act as intermediaries between the voltage sources and the electron beam manipulation coils. These intermediary components enable precise control of current flow to the coils, allowing rapid and accurate adjustment of magnetic field strength without directly connecting voltage sources to coils, thus achieving precise beam control through controlled intermediate switching actions.
3Productivity
If rapid current switching is implemented, then X-ray emission control is improved, but the control circuit requires multiple voltage sources and switching devices
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit design makes the switching devices universal components that can route current from multiple voltage sources to the manipulation coils in various configurations. Each switching device can operate in different states (on, off, high-side, low-side) to achieve multiple control functions, reducing the need for dedicated components for each function and improving overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit prepares for rapid current switching by pre-configuring multiple voltage sources and switching devices in ready states. The switching sequences are predetermined and coordinated, allowing the system to transition between current levels rapidly without requiring complex real-time decision-making or sequential component activation, thus improving X-ray emission control efficiency.
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 greater control over electron beam steering, reliable X-ray emission, and reduced imaging artifacts, improving the quality of X-ray radiation in non-invasive imaging and radiation treatment applications.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electromagnetic coils disposed about the enclosure and configured to manipulate the electron beam by varying a dipole or quadrupole magnetic field generated by the plurality of coils
Implementation Method 2
An emitter within the cathode may emit a stream of electrons in response to heat resulting from an applied electrical current via the thermionic effect
Implementation Method 3
The target may, as a result of impact by the electron beam, produce X-ray radiation and heat
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the controlled generation of X-rays and, more specifically, to the control of electron beams that are used to produce X-rays using one or more electron beam manipulation coils. For example, methods and devices for driving an electron beam manipulation coil, as well as systems using these devices, are provided. The systems are generally configured to maintain a first current though an electron beam manipulation coil using a first voltage source and to switch the first current to a second current using a second voltage source.