Marx Modulator PCB Architecture for Portable Linac X-Ray Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional x-ray sources used by security, nuclear safeguards, and defense agencies face significant drawbacks such as safety issues with radioisotopes, impractical size and weight of betatrons, and limited energy variability and repetition rate of x-ray tubes, making them unsuitable for field operations.
Innovation Solution
A linac-based x-ray source system utilizing a compact, solid-state Marx modulator and RF power supply, including a Ku-band magnetron and electron source, powered by lithium-ion batteries, providing flexible and reliable high-dose radiation with adjustable energy and dose rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If radioisotope-based gamma sources are used, then radiation can be generated continuously, but safety and security issues arise and isotopes must be replenished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of radioisotope decay with an electronic system using a linear accelerator to generate x-rays on demand. This substitution eliminates the inherent safety risks of radioisotopes while maintaining continuous operation capability through electrical control of the electron beam generation and acceleration process.
2Power
If betatrons are used for field NDT missions, then radiation generation is achieved, but weight is excessive at 120 lbs making it difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional betatron system into discrete functional modules: electron source, linear accelerator structure, magnetron, and x-ray target. This modular segmentation enables optimization of each component's weight and performance, ultimately achieving a portable system under 50 lbs while maintaining radiation generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from traditional betatron design to a linear accelerator configuration with Ku-band magnetron operation. By adjusting the acceleration mechanism and operational frequency parameters, the system achieves comparable radiation output with dramatically reduced weight, making it suitable for portable field operations.
3Power
If x-ray tubes with discharger-based voltage generators are used, then x-ray generation is achieved, but timing stability and voltage drop issues prevent precision synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the discharger-based voltage generation system with an electronic switching system using solid-state components and microcontroller control. This substitution eliminates the inherent timing jitters and voltage drops associated with mechanical dischargers, achieving stable synchronization with detectors through precise electronic control of the high voltage pulse generation.
4Power
If x-ray tubes are used, then x-ray generation is achieved, but repetition rate is limited to 25 Hz
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pulsed operation of the linear accelerator with configurable pulse frequencies exceeding 25 Hz. By using electronic switching and solid-state components, the system can rapidly repeat the electron acceleration and x-ray generation cycle, achieving higher repetition rates that improve productivity while maintaining precise timing control through the microcontroller.
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 offers a portable, reliable, and efficient x-ray source weighing less than 50 lbs., capable of generating high radiation doses with adjustable energy and dose rates, overcoming the limitations of conventional sources.
Implementation Method 1
a linear accelerator configured to receive the electrons from the electron source and to apply radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields to accelerate the electrons
Implementation Method 2
a magnetron configured to generate the RF electromagnetic fields
Implementation Method 3
a target configured to respond to being impinged by the accelerated electrons by generating x-rays
Implementation Method 4
The plurality of Marx cells is configured to generate pulse power output signals
Data Source
AI summary
A modulator is configured to provide pulse power output signals to a linac-based x-ray source. The modulator includes control circuitry on at least one first printed circuit board and driver circuitry on at least one second printed circuit board in reversible mechanical and electrical communication with the at least one first printed circuit board. The driver circuitry includes a driver loop wire extending from the at least one second printed circuit board. The modulator further includes a plurality of Marx cells on a plurality of third printed circuit boards in reversible mechanical and electrical communication with the at least one first printed circuit board. Each Marx cell includes a transformer configured to trigger the Marx cell, and the driver loop wire includes a common primary winding of the transformers of the plurality of Marx cells.