Gamma Radiation Generator With Gas-Filled Electron Gap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nuclear thermionic avalanche cell (NTAC) generators with vacuum gaps between the electron emitter and collector have limited electron flow capacity, which is not adequately explained by the amount of gamma radiation emitted.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a gas, such as high atomic number inert gases like argon, krypton, or xenon, into the gap between the emitter and collector to enhance electron liberation from both the emitter material and gas atoms, leading to an increased electron population through interactions with gamma radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a vacuum gap is used between the emitter and collector, then the device structure is simple and maintenance is easy, but the electron flow capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the gap medium from vacuum to gas (specifically noble gases like argon, krypton, or xenon). This parameter change enables gamma radiation to interact with gas atoms and liberate additional electrons through the photoelectric effect, thereby significantly increasing electron flow capacity while maintaining a relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inert gas atmosphere (noble gases) into the gap between emitter and collector. These inert gases do not react with the emitter material but provide atoms that can be ionized by gamma radiation to produce additional electrons, enhancing electron flow without complicating the device structure
2Productivity
If gamma radiation is used to liberate electrons from emitter material, then electrical power is generated, but the electron generation capacity is limited by the amount of gamma radiation emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces gas atoms as an intermediary medium between gamma radiation and the emitter material. Gamma radiation first interacts with gas atoms to liberate electrons, which then contribute to the electron flow. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the electron generation capacity for a given amount of gamma radiation
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the medium in the gap from vacuum to gas, the patent creates additional interaction pathways for gamma radiation. The gas atoms provide additional targets for photoelectric absorption, thereby increasing electron generation capacity without requiring increased gamma radiation intensity
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
The electron generation capacity is significantly enhanced due to additional electrons liberated from gas atoms, resulting in improved electron density and current density compared to NTAC devices with vacuum gaps.
Implementation Method 1
emitter material atoms to receive the emitted gamma radiation into the emitter material atoms so that, the gamma radiation causes one or more electrons of the emitter material atoms to be liberated from the emitter material atoms
Implementation Method 2
gas having gas atoms and a gas pressure, in the gap, to receive, into the gas atoms, gamma radiation passed through the emitter material so that, the received gamma radiation causes one or more electrons of the gas atoms to be liberated from the gas atoms
Implementation Method 3
electrons liberated from the emitter material atoms and electrons liberated from the gas atoms are received by the collector material, thereby causing an electrical potential difference between the emitter material and the collector material, and so that an electric current corresponding to a flow of liberated electrons between the emitter material and the collector material is producible
Data Source
AI summary
An electric generator can include: a radionuclide to emit gamma radiation (GR); an emitter having an emitter atom to receive the emitted GR so that, the GR causes an electron of an emitter atom to be liberated, and thereby be emitted from an emitter surface; a collector spaced from the emitter surface forming a gap between the emitter surface and a collector surface; and a gas having a gas atom and a gas pressure, in the gap, to receive, GR passed through the emitter so that, the received GR causes an electron of the gas atom to be liberated; wherein electrons liberated from the emitter atom and the gas atom are received by the collector, thereby causing an electrical potential difference between the emitter and the collector, and so that an electric current corresponding to a flow of electrons between the emitter and the collector is producible from the collector.