Inverted Waveguide Impedance Matching for Reliable Ion Beam Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neutron generation systems are costly, inefficient, and pose safety concerns due to complex and hazardous materials, with limited commercial scalability and reliability, particularly in generating high current and moderate voltage neutrons and protons.

Innovation Solution

The development of high energy ion beam generator systems that incorporate inverted impedance matching waveguides, automated optimization processes, direct ion injection, actively cooled water resistors, and advanced neutron-producing targets to achieve low gas and fuel consumption, high current, and moderate voltage generation with improved reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional neutron generation systems are used, then neutron production is achieved, but the systems are costly, complex, and pose safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional waveguide impedance matching structure by placing the impedance matching component inside the waveguide rather than outside. This inversion simplifies the overall system design by integrating the matching function into the waveguide structure itself, reducing the number of separate components and connections required, thereby lowering complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The impedance matching structure is merged with the waveguide body, and the ion source, acceleration region, and neutron production target are integrated into a unified system architecture. This merging reduces the number of separate subsystems and interconnections, simplifying the overall system while improving reliability through fewer potential failure points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Use of energy by moving object

If conventional waveguide impedance matching is used, then electromagnetic wave transmission is achieved, but the structure is complex and less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic wave transmission efficiencyVSAvoidwaveguide structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The impedance matching component is designed with varying cross-sectional dimensions along its length, creating local variations in electromagnetic properties. This gradual dimensional change provides continuous impedance transformation, improving electromagnetic wave transmission efficiency by reducing reflections and standing waves at the interface between different impedance regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If high current and moderate voltage generation is achieved, then neutron and proton output is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneutron and proton generation rateVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs automated optimization processes that perform preliminary design and parameter tuning before manufacturing. This computational preliminary action determines the optimal geometry and operating parameters for high current and moderate voltage generation, eliminating the need for complex iterative adjustments during operation and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

These systems provide robust, consistent, and efficient neutron and proton generation, enabling commercial-scale applications such as semiconductor manufacturing and medical processes with enhanced throughput, cost balance, and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a waveguide comprising: i) a proximal end comprising an electromagnetic wave entry point, ii) a distal end comprising an electromagnetic wave exit point, and iii) outer walls extending between the proximal end and the distal end and configured to propagate electromagnetic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an inverted impendence matching component located inside the waveguide component, wherein the inverted impedance matching component extends from the distal end of the waveguide to at least partway towards the proximal end of the waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance matching: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3571900B1Device comprising a waveguide with an inverted impedance matcher and system with the same

Publication Date: 2024.11.13 SHINE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Provided herein are high energy ion beam generator systems and methods that provide low cost, high performance, robust, consistent, uniform, low gas consumption and high current/high-moderate voltage generation of neutrons and protons. Such systems and methods find use for the commercial-scale generation of neutrons and protons for a wide variety of research, medical, security, and industrial processes.