Miniature Ion Source with Translatable Magnetic Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ECR ion sources are large and require significant cooling, making them unsuitable for portable and battery-operated applications, and there is a need for a miniature ion source capable of producing a high atomic fraction of species with low power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A miniature ion source with a cylindrical vacuum envelope and a magnet system carrier structure that allows for variable positioning of the magnetic field, using annular permanent magnets and a magnetically permeable disk to confine the magnetic field within the ion source, combined with a bullet-shaped antenna and a filler element to optimize plasma generation and minimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional ECR ion sources are used to produce high atomic fraction of species, then ion production capability is improved, but device size and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The ion source is divided into distinct functional zones: an ECR zone with strong magnetic field for ion production, and a drift tube zone for ion extraction. The magnetic field is segmented into localized regions rather than requiring a large uniform field throughout the entire device, enabling compact dimensions while maintaining high atomic fraction ion production in the ECR zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field strength is optimized locally in different regions: a strong magnetic field (0.3-1.0 Tesla) is concentrated in the ECR zone for efficient ion production, while the drift tube region uses a weaker or zero magnetic field for ion transport. This local optimization allows high atomic fraction ion production in a compact volume.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional ECR ion sources are used to produce high atomic fraction of species, then ion production capability is improved, but cooling requirements and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field is extracted from the drift tube region and confined to only the ECR zone where it is needed for ion production. This eliminates the need for large-scale cooling systems that would be required to manage heat throughout the entire device, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining high atomic fraction ion production.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field configuration is made dynamic and adjustable, allowing optimization of field strength in the ECR zone for maximum ion production efficiency at lower power consumption, while the drift tube operates with minimal or no magnetic field, reducing overall energy requirements and cooling needs.
3Productivity
If magnetic field is made variable in position along the axis, then plasma confinement and ion production are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet system is segmented into discrete permanent magnet assemblies positioned at specific locations along the axis. Each assembly creates a localized magnetic field region, and by adjusting the position of these segmented magnet assemblies, the plasma confinement zone can be optimized for ion production without requiring a complex continuously variable magnetic field system.
Solution Approach 2:
Permanent magnets are used instead of expensive electromagnets, providing a simple, low-cost means of creating variable magnetic field positions. The permanent magnet assemblies can be easily repositioned along the axis to optimize plasma confinement and ion production efficiency without complex control systems.
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 solution results in a compact, low-power ion source capable of producing a high atomic fraction of species, suitable for portable applications, with reduced power consumption and improved maintenance and repair efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one annular permanent magnet concentric with the lengthwise axis, providing a magnetic field penetrating the interior volume
Implementation Method 2
The magnet system carrier structure is translatable along the lengthwise axis enabling variable positioning of the magnetic field in the interior volume along the lengthwise axis
Implementation Method 3
an RF feedthrough closing the open end of the cylindrical portion opposite the flange
Data Source
AI summary
An ion source has a vacuum envelope structure having a cylindrical portion with a lengthwise axis and an inside diameter defining an interior volume, joined at one end to a flange concentric with the axis, the cylindrical portion open by an exit aperture through the flange and open at an end opposite the flange, an RF feedthrough closing the open end of the cylindrical portion opposite the flange, creating a cylindrical interior volume open only through the exit aperture, and a magnet system carrier structure surrounding the cylindrical portion of the vacuum envelope and carrying at least one annular permanent magnet concentric with the lengthwise axis, providing a magnetic field penetrating the interior volume. The ion source is characterized in that the magnet system carrier structure is translatable along the lengthwise axis enabling variable positioning of the magnetic field in the interior volume along the lengthwise axis.