Multilayer Optic Device for High-Energy X-Ray Flux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optics for focusing X-ray beams suffer from low intensity due to limited capture of the primary electromagnetic radiation source, especially at higher energy levels, and are not suitable for vacuum environments due to the use of air as a high refractive index material, leading to inefficiencies in applications like explosive detection and cargo inspection.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer optic device utilizing conformal solid phase layers with varying indices of refraction and photon redirection regions, employing total internal reflection to collect and redirect a large solid angle of X-ray source radiation, thereby increasing photon flux density and enabling operation in vacuum environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hollow glass polycapillary optics are used to increase polychromatic X-ray flux density, then flux density improves at lower energies (80 keV and below), but the gain diminishes at energy levels above 80 keV due to decreasing index of refraction difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by replacing glass with solid-phase materials having different refractive indices that maintain larger differences at higher X-ray energies. This parameter change enables the optic to maintain effective flux density enhancement across a broader energy range including above 80 keV
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures with multiple solid-phase layers having different refractive indices arranged in specific configurations. This composite approach creates photon redirection regions that effectively channel X-rays across a wider energy spectrum while maintaining vacuum compatibility
2Device complexity
If air is used as a high index of refraction material in hollow glass polycapillary optics, then the optic structure is simple, but the optic cannot be placed within a vacuum environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts air from the optic structure and replaces it with solid-phase materials. This removal of air eliminates the incompatibility with vacuum environments while maintaining the essential optical function of photon redirection through total internal reflection at interfaces between solid phases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the high index material from gas (air) to solid phase, enabling vacuum compatibility while preserving the refractive index properties necessary for total internal reflection and photon channeling
3Use of energy by moving object
If total internal reflection is used to channel solid angle of source X-rays into collimated beams, then photon flux density increases, but only about five percent of the source solid angle is captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the photon redirection function across multiple solid-phase layers with different refractive indices. Each layer contributes to the overall photon channeling effect, and the cumulative action of these segmented layers enables capture and redirection of a larger portion of the source solid angle while maintaining high flux density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional dimensional complexity through multiple conformal solid-phase layers arranged in specific geometries. This multi-dimensional structure enables more effective photon redirection and broader solid angle capture compared to simple single-layer or hollow capillary designs
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 multilayer optic device achieves a significant gain in photon flux density, up to 5000 times for 100 keV photons, and allows for efficient operation in vacuum environments, enhancing applications such as X-ray diffraction and cargo inspection at energy levels above 60 keV.
Implementation Method 1
A multilayer optic device utilizing conformal solid phase layers with varying indices of refraction and photon redirection regions, employing total internal reflection to collect and redirect a large solid angle of X-ray source radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An optic device, system and method for making are described. The optic device includes a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property. The first and second layers are conformal to each other. The optic device may be fabricated by vapor depositing a first layer and then vapor depositing a second layer thereupon. The first layer may be deposited onto a blank or substrate. The blank or substrate may be rotated during deposition. Further, a computer-controlled shutter may be used to alter the deposition rate of material along an axis of the optic device. Alternatively, the optic device may be moved at varying speeds through a vapor stream to alter the deposition rate of material.