Graphite Beam Intensity Converting Film for Accelerator Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional beam intensity converting films, particularly those made of carbon materials, face issues with durability and radioactivation, leading to frequent replacements and reduced operating time of accelerators due to low mechanical strength and high radioactivity.

Innovation Solution

A beam intensity converting film composed of graphite films with specific thickness and anisotropic thermal and electric conductivity properties, allowing for high heat resistance and reduced radioactivation, is developed, featuring a method of producing these films by firing polymeric films to achieve enhanced durability and self-supporting properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If carbon materials are used for beam intensity converting film, then radioactivation is reduced, but durability against charged particle beams is low

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveradioactivationVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a carbon-based film (for low radioactivation) combined with a metal support structure (for mechanical strength and durability). The carbon film is deposited on a metal mesh or frame, creating a composite material that combines the advantages of both materials: the carbon provides low radioactivation while the metal provides structural integrity and durability against beam irradiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If metal materials such as titanium or tungsten are used for beam intensity converting film, then durability and heat resistance are improved, but radioactivation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidradioactivation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite structure where a metal support (providing durability and heat resistance) is combined with a carbon-based coating layer (providing low radioactivation). The metal mesh or frame provides the mechanical strength and thermal conductivity needed for durability, while the thin carbon layer maintains low radioactivation properties by minimizing the amount of metal exposed to the beam.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If amorphous carbon is used for attenuator, then radioactivation is reduced, but durability against beam irradiation is very low requiring frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveradioactivationVSAvoidoperating time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines amorphous carbon film (for low radioactivation) with a metal support structure (for mechanical strength). The metal mesh or frame provides the structural integrity needed to withstand beam irradiation without deforming or breaking, while the carbon film maintains low radioactivation. This composite structure eliminates the need for frequent replacements while preserving the low radioactivation benefits of carbon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Object-affected harmful factors

If carbon film is used for beam intensity converting film, then radioactivation is reduced, but mechanical strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveradioactivationVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure where a metal mesh or frame (providing mechanical strength) supports a thin carbon-based film (providing low radioactivation). The metal support structure bears the mechanical loads and provides structural integrity, while the thin carbon layer maintains low radioactivation properties. This allows the use of carbon materials without compromising mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 graphite-based film provides superior durability and reduced radioactivation, extending the operating time of accelerators by minimizing the extent of radioactivation and heat-related damage, while maintaining high mechanical strength and thermal conductivity.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal conductivity in a surface direction is equal to or greater than 20 times a thermal conductivity in a thickness direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conductivity: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a method of producing a beam intensity converting film... by firing one or more polymeric films

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS11177116B2Beam intensity converting film, and method of manufacturing beam intensity converting film

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 KANEKA CORP

AI summary

A beam intensity converting film that has sufficient shielding property, sufficient durability, and sufficient heat resistance and that can reduce the extent of radioactivation. An attenuator is constituted by a graphite film placed such that a surface thereof intersects the beam axis of a charged particle beam, the graphite film has a thickness of 1 μm or greater, and the thermal conductivity in a surface direction of the graphite film is equal to or greater than 20 times the thermal conductivity in the thickness direction of the graphite film.