Ion Beam Filter Using 15-Degree Deflection and Rotating Beam Dumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power ion beams used in neutron generation systems can cause damage due to unwanted ion species, beam deflection, operator errors, and lack of beam control, leading to potential vacuum breakage and neutron radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
An ion beam assembly with a magnet system deflecting the ion beam by a small angle (approximately 15°) and utilizing two rotating beam dumps to filter and contain the beam, preventing damage and ensuring safe neutron generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high-power ion beam is used to generate neutrons, then neutron generation capability is improved, but the risk of damage to system components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A beam dump is introduced as an intermediary component between the ion beam source and the neutron target. The beam dump is positioned to intercept and absorb unwanted ion beams before they can damage other system components, while allowing the desired neutron generation process to continue uninterrupted
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful effect of the ion beam is converted into a beneficial function by using the beam dump to absorb and dissipate the energy of unwanted ions. The kinetic energy that would otherwise cause damage is transformed into thermal energy in the beam dump, preventing vacuum breakage and component damage while maintaining neutron generation
2Ease of operation
If beam deflection is applied to control ion beam direction, then beam control capability is improved, but the complexity of the magnet system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex multi-component magnet systems to achieve precise beam control, the invention applies a simplified approach with a single beam dump positioned at a specific angle. This partial action approach achieves sufficient beam control by relying on geometric positioning and basic magnetic deflection rather than complex control mechanisms
3Reliability
If a beam dump is positioned to intercept ion beams, then protection against vacuum breakage is improved, but the risk of neutron radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam dump is positioned at a specific angular offset from the beam centerline, creating a geometric configuration where the beam dump intercepts ion beams while the neutron target remains positioned to receive the desired neutron flux. This spatial arrangement in another dimension allows simultaneous protection and safe neutron generation
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 system provides a safer, more reliable, and smaller ion beam with improved beam optics, reducing the risk of damage and neutron radiation exposure, while allowing for strategic placement of radiation shields.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet system configured to deflect the ion beam by a first angle from the center of the beam
Implementation Method 2
a first rotating beam dump configured to receive a first plurality of ions from the ion beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosures relates to an ion beam assembly where a relatively small deflection angle (approximately 15° from the center of the beam line) is used in conjunction with two beam dumps located on either side of the beam. In some embodiments, the combination of the two beam dumps and the magnet assembly can provide an ion beam filter. In some embodiments, the resulting system provides a smaller, safer and more reliable ion beam. In some embodiments, the ion beam can be a proton beam.