Hadron Velocity Measurement via Cusp Electron Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring the speed of hadronic particles in particle accelerators are limited by their ability to only determine average speeds, often destroy the particle beam during measurement, and require complex equipment and large data processing, making them unsuitable for high-energy applications and non-destructive measurement.

Innovation Solution

A hadron velocity measuring device comprising a hadron transport device and an electron measuring device that generates CUSP electrons through interaction with residual gas, allowing for non-destructive measurement of hadron energy by separating and detecting electrons parallel to the hadron beam, enabling the reuse of the hadron beam with minimal quality loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If interaction with target or residual gas is used to measure hadron energy, then energy measurement is enabled, but the hadron beam is destroyed or significantly degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehadron energy measurementVSAvoidhadron beam

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses residual gas atoms as an intermediary medium to generate CUSP electrons that carry information about hadron energy. By measuring the energy of these secondary electrons rather than directly measuring the hadrons themselves, the original hadron beam remains largely intact and can be reused, resolving the contradiction between obtaining measurement data and preserving the beam.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical interaction between hadrons and measurement devices with an indirect electronic measurement system. Hadrons interact with residual gas to produce CUSP electrons, and the energy of these electrons is measured using electron spectrometers, substituting a less invasive electronic measurement approach for direct hadron measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If complex equipment is used to measure energy distribution in particle bunches, then detailed energy information is obtained, but device complexity and data processing requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy distribution measurementVSAvoidmeasurement equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful or unwanted interaction between hadrons and residual gas (which causes beam degradation) into a beneficial measurement mechanism. The residual gas, instead of being seen as a contaminant to be eliminated, becomes the source of CUSP electrons that provide energy distribution information, simplifying the overall measurement approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Measurement precision

If measurement methods are used that destroy particle bunches, then energy measurement is possible, but total beam time increases due to loss of measured bunches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehadron speed measurementVSAvoidbeam time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system uses the existing residual gas in the transport device itself as the measurement medium, eliminating the need for separate target chambers or additional equipment. The hadron beam serves its primary transport function while simultaneously enabling energy measurement through CUSP electron generation, allowing the beam to be reused without significant degradation and reducing total beam time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables precise, non-destructive measurement of hadron energy with manageable measurement times and equipment, allowing for the reuse of hadron beams and providing detailed energy distribution data, optimizing particle accelerator operations.

Implementation Method 1

electrons are released in the hadron transport device by interaction of the hadrons transported by the hadron transport device with residual gas atoms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCUSP electron generation:

Implementation Method 2

an electron separating device for separating electrons which move parallel to the transport direction of the hadrons in the hadron transport device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron separation:

Implementation Method 3

the electron measuring device is designed as an electron energy measuring device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron energy measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3011808B1Device and method for measuring hadrons' velocity

Publication Date: 2020.09.23 GSI HELMHOLTZZENT FUR SCHWERIONENFORSCHUNG GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention proposes measuring the speed of hadrons (9) in a beam pipe (7) by measuring the energy of the type of electrons (10, 11) produced by the interaction of the hadrons (9) with the residual gas atoms in the beam pipe (9) in the direction of flight of the hadrons (9).