Liquid Jet X-Ray Target Geometry for Smaller, Stable Spot Size
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid jet target X-ray sources face challenges in achieving a consistent and efficient X-ray spot size due to excessive reabsorption and scattering of X-rays, particularly when the target thickness is larger than the electron penetration depth.
Innovation Solution
The use of a liquid jet target with an elongated, convex cross section, where the thickness in the propagation direction of the electron beam is less than the electron penetration depth, allows for controlled extraction of X-ray radiation, minimizing reabsorption and scattering by optimizing the target thickness and extraction angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the target thickness is increased to maintain high X-ray flux, then the X-ray flux increases, but reabsorption and scattering of X-rays increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thickness parameter of the liquid jet target to be less than the electron penetration depth, optimizing the balance between X-ray flux generation and minimizing reabsorption/scattering losses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional circular cross-section target to an elongated convex cross-section target, adding geometric dimensionality optimization to control X-ray extraction and reduce reabsorption effects
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the target thickness is decreased to reduce reabsorption and scattering, then reabsorption and scattering decrease, but the X-ray flux decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter within a specific range (less than electron penetration depth) to achieve the optimal balance between reducing reabsorption and maintaining sufficient X-ray flux
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses liquid metal jets with specific material properties (high atomic number, high density) that provide both sufficient X-ray generation capability and controlled transmission characteristics
3Device complexity
If a conventional circular cross section target is used, then the design is simple, but the X-ray spot size is large and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric elongated convex cross-section geometry where the thickness dimension is specifically controlled to be less than the electron penetration depth, creating consistent and controlled X-ray emission characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different geometric properties in different dimensions of the target - the thickness dimension is optimized for minimal reabsorption while the elongated dimension provides sufficient interaction volume for high X-ray flux
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 configuration enables a smaller and consistent X-ray spot size, maintaining high X-ray flux while reducing reabsorption and scattering, suitable for various applications including medical diagnosis, non-destructive testing, and materials science.
Implementation Method 1
An electron beam is directed towards a liquid jet of target material, and X-ray radiation is generated upon impact of the electron beam upon the target
Implementation Method 2
the apparent X-ray spot will be determined partially by the thickness of the target jet along the propagation direction of the electron beam
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray source is provided comprising a target generator configured to generate a liquid jet having an elongated cross with a major axis and a minor axis; an electron source configured to generate an electron beam arranged to interact with the liquid jet in an interaction region to generate X-ray radiation; and an X-ray transparent window arranged to transmit X-ray radiation generated in the interaction region, wherein the X-ray transparent window is located for extraction of X-ray radiation at an angle α relative to the major axis; wherein the target generator is configured to generate the liquid jet such that said jet has a thickness at the interaction region, along a propagation direction of the electron beam, that is less than an electron penetration depth of the electron beam in the liquid jet. A corresponding method for generating X-ray radiation is also provided.