Multilayer Total Internal Reflection Optic for X-ray Flux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging and analysis applications suffer from insufficient X-ray flux due to the majority of generated X-rays being absorbed or not utilized effectively, with existing optic devices only capturing and redirecting a small percentage of unused X-rays, limiting the intensity gain to around 50% before compromising target integrity.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer optic device utilizing high-index and low-index material layers with a grading zone, featuring corrugations along specific directions, to redirect X-rays through total internal reflection, enabling collection and redirection in multiple directions, such as cone and fan-beam directions, thereby increasing X-ray flux intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electron beam density is increased to enhance X-ray flux, then X-ray flux is improved, but target integrity deteriorates due to heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optic device positioned between the X-ray source and the target. This device captures and redirects unused X-rays before they can be absorbed by the source housing or primary collimator, thereby enhancing the effective X-ray flux without requiring increased electron beam density that would compromise target integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful unused X-rays (which were being absorbed and wasted) into a beneficial resource. By using optic devices to capture and redirect these unused X-rays into useful directions, the system transforms waste radiation into useful imaging radiation, effectively increasing flux without increasing target heat load.
2Loss of energy
If conventional optic devices are used to redirect unused X-rays, then some X-ray redirection is achieved, but the redirection efficiency remains insufficient (1% or less)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multilayer optic devices with multiple alternating high-index and low-index material layers. Each layer interfaces creates a refraction event, and the cumulative effect of many such interfaces enables efficient redirection of X-rays. This segmented multilayer structure achieves significantly higher redirection efficiency than conventional single-device approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent redirects X-rays in multiple dimensions simultaneously - both cone direction and fan-beam direction - using appropriately oriented multilayer sections. This two-dimensional redirection capability allows the system to capture and redirect unused X-rays from various angles, achieving much higher overall utilization efficiency compared to conventional one-dimensional approaches.
3Illumination intensity
If multilayer TIR optics are used to redirect X-rays in one direction, then intensity gain is achieved, but the device cannot redirect X-rays in multiple directions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal multilayer optic device that can perform multiple redirection functions simultaneously. By incorporating both cone-direction and fan-beam direction multilayer sections in appropriate orientations, the single device achieves the versatility to redirect X-rays in multiple directions at once, providing both intensity gain and directional flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges different multilayer configurations into a single integrated device. Cone-direction multilayer sections and fan-beam direction multilayer sections are combined in one structure, allowing the device to simultaneously redirect X-rays in both directions. This merging of functions achieves both high intensity gain and multi-directional adaptability.
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 significant X-ray flux intensity gains, potentially up to 5000 times that of conventional pinhole collimators, by effectively redirecting X-rays into useful imaging directions, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A multilayer optic device utilizing high-index and low-index material layers with a grading zone, featuring corrugations along specific directions, to redirect X-rays through total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
a grading zone disposed between the high-index material layer and low-index material layer, the grading zone comprising a grading layer having a third real refractive index 1−δ3 and a third absorption coefficient β3, such that 1−δ1>1−δ3>1−δ2
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer optic device having an input face and an output face is provided. The optic device includes a high-index material layer having a first real refractive index 1−δ1 and a first absorption coefficient β1, wherein the core comprises a first surface and a second surface, a low-index material layer having a second real refractive index 1−δ2 and a second absorption coefficient β2, and a grading zone disposed between the high-index material layer and low-index material layer, the grading zone comprising a grading layer having a third real refractive index 1−δ3 and a third absorption coefficient β3, such that 1−δ11>1−δ3>1−δ2, where at least a portion of one or more of the high-index material layer, the grading zone and the low-index layer comprises one or more corrugations along a first direction.