Modular Laser-Produced Plasma X-Ray System With Liquid Metal Target
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray instruments face limitations in brilliance due to anode power density constraints, require frequent maintenance for solid target sources, and are large and immobile, making them unsuitable for high-resolution X-ray microscopy and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular laser-produced plasma X-ray system with a liquid metal flow system in a low-pressure chamber, where high-power laser pulses are used to create X-rays, preventing debris accumulation and enabling continuous operation without maintenance by recycling the liquid metal target beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional X-ray tubes with fixed or rotating anodes are used, then X-ray flux can be generated, but the brilliance is limited by the maximum power density the anode can withstand without melting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static solid anodes to a dynamic liquid metal jet target that continuously flows through the interaction region. The liquid metal is delivered via a capillary tube and forms a moving target that can withstand higher power densities while being replaced continuously, preventing melting and maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the target from solid to liquid, enabling the target material to flow and be continuously replaced. This parameter change allows the target to absorb and dissipate heat more effectively, increasing the maximum power density that can be applied without melting.
2Power
If rotating anode is used to distribute energy over larger area, then X-ray flux can be increased, but the electron beam cannot be focused to a tight spot and maximum achievable brilliance is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the target into a thin liquid metal jet that passes through a capillary tube. This segmentation allows the electron beam to be focused to a tight spot on a specific section of the liquid metal jet, achieving high brilliance while the entire jet distributes the energy over time through continuous flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous flow of liquid metal through the capillary tube creates a dynamic target that replaces the stationary rotating anode. This allows the electron beam to be focused to a tight spot on the liquid metal jet while the flow distributes energy over time, achieving both high brilliance and high flux.
3Power
If solid target sources are used, then X-rays can be generated, but fine metal powder debris accumulates inside the vacuum chamber requiring frequent cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid metal jet delivered through a capillary tube via hydraulic flow to replace solid targets. The liquid metal flows continuously through the interaction region and is collected, preventing metal powder debris accumulation. This eliminates the need for frequent vacuum chamber cleaning and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid metal target is continuously circulated through a reservoir, allowing spent or degraded liquid metal to be discarded and fresh liquid metal to be supplied. This continuous replacement system prevents debris accumulation and eliminates maintenance requirements for the vacuum chamber.
4Power
If traditional X-ray systems are used, then X-ray generation is achieved, but the systems are large, immobile, and difficult to take apart for maintenance or repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the X-ray system into modular components including a separate liquid metal delivery system, vacuum chamber, and control systems. This modular segmentation enables the system to be more compact, easier to assemble and disassemble for maintenance, and potentially more mobile compared to traditional integrated X-ray 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 system achieves high-brilliance X-ray generation with reduced maintenance needs, allowing for compact and efficient operation suitable for X-ray microscopy, with narrow-bandwidth X-ray emission and minimal debris accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
laser pulses are directed through a vacuum chamber onto a liquid metal target beam to generate pulses of X-rays
Implementation Method 2
A circulation pump within the flow system circulates the liquid metal
Implementation Method 3
focusing optics, located between the emitter and the metal target beam, the focusing optics directing the laser pulses to strike the metal target beam
Data Source
AI summary
A laser-produced plasma X-ray system includes a liquid metal flow system enclosed within a low-pressure chamber, the flow system including a liquid metal, wherein in at least one location on the liquid metal forms a metal target beam, a circulation pump within the flow system for circulating the liquid metal, a laser pulse emitter configured to transmit a plurality of laser pulses into the chamber via a laser window, focusing optics, located between the emitter and the metal target beam, the focusing optics directing the laser pulses to strike the metal target beam at a target location to form X-ray pulses, and an X-ray window positioned within the chamber to allow the X-ray pulses to exit the chamber.