Electron Beam CT Scanner Using Magnetic Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT imaging technologies face limitations in achieving ultra-fast scanning speeds due to mechanical constraints, resulting in low temporal resolution, especially when imaging objects that move at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
The CT device employs an electron beam generation unit with a resonance acceleration cavity operating in TM010 mode, coupled with a microwave power source, a restrictor, and a circular reflection target to accelerate and focus electron beams, enabling circular scanning and generation of high-energy X-rays for rapid imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical scanning mode is used with movable X-ray tube and detector, then spatial resolution can be maintained, but scanning speed is limited by mechanical strength and temporal resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system (movable X-ray tube and detector) with an electron beam scanning system. The electron beam is deflected by magnetic fields to scan across the object without mechanical movement, eliminating the speed limitation imposed by mechanical strength. This substitution enables ultra-fast scanning while maintaining the ability to achieve high spatial resolution through precise electron beam control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using electron beam energy and magnetic field strength control instead of mechanical velocity. By adjusting electron beam parameters (energy, focus, deflection angle) and magnetic field parameters, the system achieves scanning speeds corresponding to temporal resolutions of 50ms or less, far exceeding mechanical system capabilities while maintaining image quality.
2Speed
If rotation speed of CT scanner is increased to improve scanning speed, then temporal resolution improves, but structural stability deteriorates due to centrifugal force reaching first cosmic velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the rotating mechanical structure entirely by using a stationary electron gun that generates electron beams deflected by magnetic fields. The scanning pattern is controlled by electromagnetic deflection rather than physical rotation, so centrifugal forces and structural stability concerns are completely avoided. The system achieves equivalent or superior scanning speed without any rotating components.
3Loss of time
If electron beam scanning mode is used to increase scanning speed, then temporal resolution improves to 50ms/round, but device complexity increases due to electron gun and magnetic deflection system
Solution Approach 1:
The electron beam system serves multiple functions: it acts as both the X-ray source (by generating bremsstrahlung radiation when electrons strike the target) and the scanning mechanism (through magnetic deflection). This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanical scanning components plus an X-ray tube, despite the added electron beam generation requirements.
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 significantly enhances scanning speed while maintaining spatial resolution, allowing for ultra-fast CT imaging of moving objects and enabling multi-energy scanning applications.
Implementation Method 1
a resonance acceleration cavity configured to operate in TM010 mode to receive electron beams emitted from the electron beam generation unit and accelerate the received electron beams
Implementation Method 2
Electron beams are emitted from the electron gun at the cathode
Implementation Method 3
are accelerated to form high-energy electron beams, which pass through a focusing and magnetic deflection coil, and project on the target surface of the anode
Implementation Method 4
project on the target surface of the anode which has a form of a 210° arc, and then X-ray beams are generated
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
CT Devices and methods thereof are disclosed. The CT device comprises an electron beam generation unit, a circular reflection target (9) and a circular detector array. The electron beam generation unit comprises an electron gun (7), a deflection scanning unit and a restrictor (16), wherein the electron gun (7) generates electron beams, the deflection scanning unit deflects the electron beams with a deflection direction varying as time so as to implement a circular scanning, and the restrictor (16) has a plurality of circularly distributed holes, and wherein when the electron beams scan along the circularly distributed holes, a plurality of electron beams that are distributed circularly are output. The circular reflection target (9) is disposed to be coaxial with the circularly distributed electron beams, wherein the circularly distributed electron beams bombard the circular reflection target (9) to generate X-rays that intersect the axis of the circularly distributed electron beams. The circular detector array (11) is disposed to be coaxial with the circular reflection target and includes a plurality of detection units which receive the X-rays after they have passed through an object to be detected (10).