Laser Ion Source Beam Current Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser ion sources face challenges in controlling ion beam current on a pulse-to-pulse basis, managing ion pulse duration and shape, and achieving high charge states, which are essential for applications like hadron therapy.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field is applied at the plasma drift section to confine and control the plasma flux, allowing for rapid manipulation of beam current and pulse shape within milliseconds, using a solenoid coil type magnet to adjust the magnetic field strength and control the number of ions reaching the linear accelerator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a laser ion source is used to generate high plasma density and expanding velocity, then ion yield and beam quality are improved, but the ability to rapidly control beam current on a pulse-to-pulse basis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the plasma control function into two independent parts: (1) the laser ion source generates high-density plasma with expanding velocity for high ion yield, and (2) a separate magnetic field apparatus independently controls the plasma flux and beam current. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field apparatus acts as an intermediary between the laser ion source and the beam extraction system. By applying magnetic fields to confine and guide the plasma flux, it provides rapid beam current control on a pulse-to-pulse basis without affecting the plasma generation process, thus resolving the contradiction between high ion yield and adaptive beam current control.
2Duration of action of moving object
If plasma drift distance is extended to increase ion beam pulse width, then pulse duration is improved, but the injected current to the accelerator becomes too small
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the magnetic field strength parameter dynamically to control plasma flux. By adjusting the magnetic field strength, the system can maintain high injected current while achieving the desired pulse width, eliminating the need to extend plasma drift distance which would otherwise reduce current density.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field apparatus provides dynamic control of plasma flux, allowing rapid adjustment of beam current and pulse shape on a pulse-to-pulse basis. This dynamic control enables the system to achieve both sufficient pulse width and high injected current by optimizing magnetic confinement in real-time.
3Ease of operation
If magnetic field is applied to confine plasma flux, then beam current control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field apparatus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it confines plasma flux, controls beam current, guides plasma transport, and enables rapid pulse-to-pulse adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving superior beam current control.
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 solution enables precise control of ion beam current and pulse shape, facilitating the use of laser ion sources in hadron cancer therapy by allowing for rapid changes in ion delivery, improving the effectiveness of ion beam treatment.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic field is applied at the plasma drift section to confine and control the plasma flux
Implementation Method 2
using a solenoid coil type magnet to adjust the magnetic field strength and control the number of ions reaching the linear accelerator
Implementation Method 3
The LIS creates plasma from dense solid material... A high power laser... is focused onto the solid-state target to produce a dense plasma
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the design and use of an ion source with a rapid beam current controller for experimental and medicinal purposes. More particularly, the present invention relates to the design and use of a laser ion source with a magnetic field applied to confine a plasma flux caused by laser ablation.