Electron Tube Module Prism Alignment and Quantum Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional electron tube configuration with a prism requires complex adjustments due to the inclined angle between the incident surface of the prism and the axial direction, making the arrangement of the electron tube within an optical device non-intuitive and complicated.
Innovation Solution
An electron tube module with a prism bonded to the outer surface of a light transmitting substrate, where the second surface of the prism is parallel to the casing wall and exposed, allowing for easy alignment and positioning, and a reflection portion to reflect light back to the photocathode, increasing light absorption and quantum efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a prism is provided in the light transmitting substrate to improve quantum efficiency, then light absorption by the photocathode is enhanced, but the arrangement and alignment of the electron tube becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inclining the electron tube axis to match the prism's incident surface (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by making the prism's incident surface parallel to the electron tube axis. This inversion simplifies alignment while maintaining the light reflection functionality of the prism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by adding a reflection portion to the prism structure. This allows the light path to be redirected through an additional dimension, enabling the incident surface to be parallel to the electron tube axis while still achieving total internal reflection for improved quantum efficiency.
2Reliability
If the incident surface of the prism is inclined with respect to the axial direction to achieve total internal reflection, then quantum efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the prism structure with the light transmitting substrate by bonding the prism directly to the substrate. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the optical functionality for improved quantum efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the conventional approach and making the incident surface parallel rather than inclined, the patent simplifies the structural arrangement. The electron tube can be straightforwardly positioned along its axis without complex angular adjustments, reducing device complexity.
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
Facilitates the operation of disposing the electron tube with a prism by simplifying the alignment process and enhancing the absorption of detection target light, thereby improving the quantum efficiency of the photocathode.
Implementation Method 1
a photocathode which is provided in an inner surface corresponding to a surface on the side of the vacuum space of the light transmitting substrate and emits photoelectrons into the vacuum space in response to the light incident through the light transmitting substrate
Implementation Method 2
light incident to an incident surface of the prism is totally reflected at an interface between the photocathode and a vacuum space and then is further reflected at a surface on the side opposite to the incident surface of the prism so as to return to the photocathode
Data Source
AI summary
An electron tube module includes an electron tube and a casing. The electron tube includes a vacuum container with a light transmitting substrate, a photocathode provided in an inner surface of the light transmitting substrate, an anode, and a prism. The prism includes a first surface bonded to an outer surface of the light transmitting substrate, a second surface inclined with respect to the first surface, and a third surface which further reflects light incident to the photocathode through the prism and the light transmitting substrate and reflected at an interface between the photocathode and a vacuum space so that the light is incident to the photocathode again. The casing includes a ceiling wall provided with an opening. The second surface is parallel to the ceiling wall. At least a part of the second surface is exposed to outside through the opening.