Ion Detector with Conductive Layer for Dual-Ion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ion detectors face difficulties in efficiently detecting both positive and negative ions due to reduced conversion efficiency from ions to secondary electrons, leading to lower detection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An ion detector design that includes a conversion dynode with a negative potential and a conductive layer with a positive potential, where ions are directed to collide and emit secondary electrons, which are then incident on a scintillator for light detection, improving the detection efficiency by converting negative ions to positive ions and utilizing a mesh system to selectively apply potentials for enhanced ion incidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a negative ion conversion dynode to which a positive potential is applied is provided for detection of negative ions, then the detection capability for negative ions is enabled, but the conversion efficiency from negative ions into secondary electrons is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive layer as an intermediary between the negative ion conversion dynode and the scintillator. This conductive layer, to which a positive potential is applied, serves as a mediator that attracts negative ions and converts them to positive ions through electron emission, which then travel to the conversion dynode. This resolves the contradiction by enabling negative ion detection while maintaining high conversion efficiency through the intermediary's electron emission property.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection path for negative ions into multiple stages: first, negative ions are attracted to and collide with the conductive layer; second, the conductive layer emits electrons that convert negative ions to positive ions; third, the resulting positive ions travel to the conversion dynode for secondary electron emission. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally, resolving the efficiency problem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a positive ion conversion dynode and a negative ion conversion dynode are separately provided, then both positive ions and negative ions can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single conversion dynode universal by applying a negative potential to it, enabling it to detect both positive ions directly and positive ions that result from negative ion conversion at the conductive layer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conversion dynodes for positive and negative ions, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability for both ion types.
3Device complexity
If secondary electrons are made incident into the scintillator after transmission through the conductive layer, then the detection path is simplified, but the incidence efficiency of secondary electrons may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the positive potential applied to the conductive layer to balance two functions: attracting negative ions for conversion and allowing secondary electrons to pass through to the scintillator. By carefully controlling this parameter, the system achieves both simplified detection path and high secondary electron incidence efficiency, as the conductive layer's potential is set to be repulsive to electrons while still attractive to negative ions.
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 design significantly improves the detection efficiency of both positive and negative ions by converging ion trajectories and enhancing the incidence efficiency of secondary electrons, achieving high incidence and detection efficiencies exceeding 99%.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion dynode which is disposed in the housing and to which a negative potential is applied... When secondary electrons are emitted from the conversion dynode by the positive ion collisions
Implementation Method 2
a scintillator which is disposed in the housing and has an electron incident surface which is opposed to the conversion dynode and into which secondary electrons emitted from the conversion dynode are made incident... When light is emitted by the scintillator in response to the incidence of secondary electrons
Implementation Method 3
a photodetector which detects light emitted by the scintillator
Implementation Method 4
a conductive layer which is formed on the electron incident surface and to which a positive potential is applied... When negative ions enter into the housing via the ion entrance, the negative ions travel toward the conductive layer to which a positive potential has been applied, and collide with the conductive layer. Positive ions are emitted from the conductive layer by the negative ion collisions
Data Source
AI summary
An ion detector for detecting positive ions and negative ions, includes a housing provided with an ion entrance to make the positive ions and the negative ions enter, a conversion dynode which is disposed in the housing and to which a negative potential is applied, a scintillator which is disposed in the housing and has an electron incident surface which is opposed to the conversion dynode and into which secondary electrons emitted from the conversion dynode are made incident, a conductive layer which is formed on the electron incident surface and to which a positive potential is applied, and a photodetector which detects light emitted by the scintillator in response to incidence of the secondary electrons.