Miniature Ion Pump Using Halbach Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
The size of ion pumps is a limiting factor for ultra-high vacuum systems, particularly when deployed on moving vehicles or dynamic platforms, and their magnetic fringe fields can interfere with sensitive equipment, necessitating a reduction in pump volume while maintaining effective vacuum performance.
Innovation Solution
A miniature ion pump design incorporating a Halbach magnet array to minimize fringing fields, combined with a high voltage power supply and an auxiliary electron emission source, such as a filament, to enhance ionization and pumping speed within a compact cylindrical shape, allowing for reduced dimensions without compromising performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional ion pump designs are used, then vacuum pumping performance is maintained, but the pump volume is large and magnetic fringe fields interfere with sensitive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet array is segmented into multiple discrete magnets arranged in a specific pattern (Halbach array) rather than using a single large magnet. This segmentation allows the magnetic field to be concentrated within the pump chamber while minimizing fringe fields extending outward to interfere with sensitive equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The Halbach array employs an asymmetric magnetic configuration where adjacent magnets are oriented at different angles (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to create a unidirectional magnetic field pattern. This asymmetric arrangement enhances the magnetic field within the pump volume while canceling out fringe fields in surrounding areas, resolving the contradiction between compact size and magnetic interference.
2Volume of moving object
If pump volume is reduced for deployment on moving vehicles, then system compactness is improved, but ionization efficiency and pumping speed may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key parameters including the magnetic field strength distribution through the Halbach array, the spacing and configuration of anode and cathode elements, and the application of high voltage to enhance ionization. These parameter changes allow the compact pump to achieve pumping speeds of 1 L/sec despite its reduced 30 cm³ volume, maintaining productivity while achieving compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the Halbach magnet array and electrode configuration to maximize magnetic field utilization within the limited pump volume. By optimizing the spatial distribution of magnetic field lines and electric fields in multiple dimensions, the compact design achieves effective ionization and pumping performance without requiring larger physical dimensions.
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 miniature ion pump achieves a pumping speed of 1 L/sec in a 30 cm^3 package volume, significantly smaller than conventional designs, while minimizing magnetic interference, enabling deployment in space-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
A high voltage power supply is connected between the anode and cathode to establish a potential difference between them.
Implementation Method 2
a magnet creating a magnetic field in the region between the anode surface and the cathode surface
Implementation Method 3
an auxiliary electron emission source, such as a filament
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for ion pumping including an anode, a cathode, and a magnet. The magnet comprises a Halbach magnet array. The ion pump may comprise a filament in a vicinity of the cathode or anode in order to start ionization.