Interchangeable Ion Beam Targets for Monoenergetic Neutron Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neutron radiography and tomography techniques lack the capability to generate a wide range of monoenergetic neutron energies efficiently, limiting their application in nondestructive testing and quality control across various industries.
Innovation Solution
The use of a system comprising a plurality of interchangeable ion beam targets, each configured to produce a unique monoenergetic neutron energy when struck by an accelerated ion beam, allowing for a broad range of neutron energies to be generated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single neutron source is used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot generate a wide range of monoenergetic neutron energies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single accelerator system to generate multiple types of neutrons with different energies through the use of interchangeable targets. The accelerator remains the same core device, but by changing the target material and configuration, it can produce monoenergetic neutrons across a wide energy range (300 keV to 15 MeV), thus one device performs multiple functions of neutron generation at different energies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic adaptability through the ability to interchange targets during operation. The target station is designed to accommodate different target materials (such as LiF, TiD, TiT, ErD, ErT, or Li) that can be swapped to change the neutron energy output. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different testing requirements without replacing the entire accelerator system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple neutron sources are used to cover different energy ranges, then a wide energy range is achieved, but the system complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring multiple separate accelerator systems, the patent creates a universal accelerator that can function as different neutron sources by changing targets. This eliminates the need for operators to manage multiple independent systems, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the ability to provide diverse neutron energy ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares different target configurations in advance for different energy requirements. Operators can select the appropriate pre-prepared target assembly based on the desired neutron energy, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments or multiple pre-configured machines. The target interchange mechanism is designed to allow quick switching between pre-prepared configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable targets are used, then a wide range of neutron energies is generated, but the target station complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target station is segmented into modular components that can independently handle different target types. Each target assembly is a self-contained unit with specific material properties optimized for particular energy ranges. This segmentation allows the complex function of generating multiple neutron energies to be distributed across separate, manageable modules rather than requiring a single complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves diverse neutron energy outputs by changing physical parameters of the target assembly rather than changing the fundamental accelerator structure. By varying target material composition, thickness, and isotopic composition, the system generates different monoenergetic neutron spectra. This parameter-based approach is simpler than redesigning the accelerator for each energy range.
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
This approach enables the generation of a wide range of monoenergetic neutron energies, spanning at least 300 keV, which enhances the capability for nondestructive testing and quality control in various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of ion beam targets is configured to generate a monoenergetic energy value when struck with the accelerated ion beam
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods for generating a plurality of different monoenergetic neutron energies using a plurality of interchangeable ion beam targets. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of ion beam targets is configured to generate a monoenergetic energy value that is at least 100 kiloelectron volts (keV) different from the other ion beam targets. In some embodiments, the ion beam targets are composed of LiF, TiD1.5-1.8, TiT1-2, ErD1.5, ErT, or Li.