Electrostatic Ion Pump Electron Confinement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ion pump systems rely on magnetic fields to confine electrons, which can generate significant magnetic interference, limiting their use in proximity to sensitive electronics and requiring higher power consumption due to shorter electron paths and increased reemission of adsorbed gas molecules.

Innovation Solution

The development of compact ion pumps that utilize an electrostatic field to confine electrons without magnetic fields, featuring an inner and outer electrode configuration where electrons are injected through apertures and orbit within the electrostatic potential, enhancing impact ionization and reducing reemission by shielding adsorbed gas molecules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic fields are used to confine electrons in conventional ion pumps, then electrons can be confined within the pump, but significant magnetic interference is generated that limits use near sensitive electronics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron confinementVSAvoidmagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic field-based electron confinement system with an electrostatic field-based system. The electrostatic ion pump uses electric potentials applied to electrodes (including a mesh electrode and end cap electrodes) to confine electrons through electrostatic forces, eliminating the need for magnets and magnetic fields while maintaining effective electron confinement for ionization pumping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental physical parameter used for electron confinement from magnetic field strength to electrostatic potential difference. By applying appropriate voltages to the electrode structure, the system creates electrostatic well potentials that trap electrons without generating magnetic interference, thus resolving the contradiction between effective confinement and magnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If magnetic fields are used to confine electrons, then electrons can be contained, but power consumption increases due to shorter electron paths and increased reemission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron confinementVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrostatic field system replaces the magnetic field system, fundamentally changing how electrons are confined. The electrostatic potential wells created by the electrode structure allow electrons to follow longer orbital paths with reduced reemission from the pump walls, improving energy efficiency while maintaining confinement reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Volume of moving object

If compact design is implemented, then the ion pump size is reduced, but electron confinement becomes more difficult without magnetic fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump sizeVSAvoidelectron confinement

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a three-dimensional electrode structure including a mesh electrode and end cap electrodes that create electrostatic potential wells in multiple spatial dimensions. This multi-dimensional electrostatic confinement approach enables effective electron trapping in a compact volume without requiring magnetic fields, resolving the contradiction between compact size and confinement reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

These ion pumps achieve high vacuum creation with reduced magnetic interference, lower power consumption, and improved ionization efficiency, enabling their use in sensitive applications while minimizing gas reemission.

Implementation Method 1

Electrons introduced into an inner volume of the outer electrode are confined within the inner volume by the positive electrostatic potential between the inner and outer electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic field: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

As the electrons orbit the inner electrode, the electrons impact and ionize gas molecules within the inner volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact ionization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

The positive electrostatic potential further causes the gas ions to accelerate toward and adsorb into an inner surface of the outer electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic acceleration: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 4

The positive electrostatic potential further causes the gas ions to accelerate toward and adsorb into an inner surface of the outer electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS11569077B2Compact electrostatic ion pump

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 SRI INTERNATIONAL

AI summary

The disclosure includes an outer electrode and an inner electrode. The outer electrode defines an inner volume and is configured to receive injected electrons through at least one aperture. The inner electrode positioned in the inner volume. The outer electrode and inner electrode are configured to confine the received electrons in orbits around the inner electrode in response to an electric potential between the outer electrode and the inner electrode. The apparatus does not include a component configured to generate an electron-confining magnetic field.