Movable Aperture Window for X-ray Beam Conditioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray diffractometers with multi-layer X-ray optics have limited beam conditioning possibilities, making them inflexible and inefficient in adjusting to varying measurement requirements, as the beam properties are fixed during production and cannot be varied post-production.
Innovation Solution
A collimator mechanism with a gradually movable aperture window that can move at least twice the size of the X-ray beam in one or two independent directions, allowing for selection of any portion of the X-ray beam cross-section, enabling flexible adjustment of beam properties such as convergence and focus size to optimize data quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multi-layer X-ray optics are used for beam shaping and monochromatization, then beam efficiency is improved, but beam conditioning flexibility deteriorates because the optics structure determines fixed beam properties that cannot be varied post-production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable aperture window that can be gradually shifted in at least one direction transversely to the X-ray beam, transforming the static beam conditioning system into a dynamic one. This allows the beam properties (convergence angle, focus size, cross-section portion) to be continuously adjusted after production, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high beam efficiency through fixed optics and achieving flexible beam conditioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the aperture window is made at least as large as the X-ray beam cross-section, then any portion of the beam can be selected, but device complexity increases due to the extended movement path requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture window serves multiple functions: it selects any desired portion of the X-ray beam cross-section, controls beam convergence, and adjusts focus size, all through a single mechanism. The requirement that the movement path be at least twice the beam extension ensures universal access to all beam portions while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure compared to multiple adjustable components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the aperture window can be gradually moved over a path at least twice the beam extension, then any beam portion can be selected with full flexibility, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a gradually movable aperture window mechanism. The gradual movement capability allows for continuous adjustment without requiring high-precision discrete positioning steps, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining full beam portion selection capability through the extended movement path.
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 enhances the flexibility and data quality of X-ray diffractometry by allowing for precise adjustment of beam properties, improving signal-to-noise ratios and reducing scattering, especially for small samples, without the need for changing the X-ray optics.
Implementation Method 1
the X-ray beam that is generated by an X-ray source is directed onto a sample via a multi-layer optics
Implementation Method 2
The multi-layer X-ray optics performs monochromatization and mainly shaping of the X-ray beam
Implementation Method 3
the collimator mechanism forms an aperture window with an aperture opening through which at least part of the X-ray beam passes
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray analysis instrument, in particular, an X-ray diffractometer (21), has an X-ray source (22; SC) that emits an X-ray beam (23), an X-ray optics (24), in particular a multi-layer X-ray mirror, and a collimator mechanism (BM), wherein the collimator mechanism (BM) forms an aperture window (2, 2′) with an aperture opening (3, 3′) through which at least part (26) of the X-ray beam (23) passes. The collimator mechanism (BM) comprises means for gradual movement of the aperture window (2, 2′) in at least one direction (A/B, x, y) transversely to the X-ray beam (23), the aperture opening (3, 3′) is at least as large as the cross-section (32) of the X-ray beam (23) at the location of the aperture window (2, 2′), and the path of movement (VWx, VWy) of the aperture window (2, 2′), which is accessible by the collimator mechanism (BM), in the at least one direction (A/B, x, y) is at least twice as large as the extension (RSx, RSy) of the X-ray beam (23) at the location of the aperture window (2, 2′) in this direction (A/B, x, y). The X-ray analysis instrument offers a wider scope of beam conditioning possibilities.