Multilayer X-ray Target with High Thermal Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray sources face limitations in heat removal and X-ray flux due to cooling methods that restrict the amount of energy that can be deposited into the target, leading to reduced X-ray production and potential damage from overheating.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray source with a multilayer target structure featuring heat-spreading layers with higher thermal conductivity than the target layer, positioned to dissipate heat efficiently, and an emitter assembly that focuses the electron beam to a high aspect ratio for enhanced energy deposition and cooling, allowing for continuous high X-ray flux operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the target is actively cooled, then heat damage is prevented, but the electron beam power that can be applied is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into multiple layers with different materials optimized for different functions: the first layer (e.g., tungsten) is optimized for high X-ray production efficiency when struck by electrons, while the second layer (e.g., copper or aluminum) is optimized for high thermal conductivity to conduct heat away from the impact region. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in its primary function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the target have different material properties tailored to local requirements: the electron-impact region uses high-Z material for X-ray generation, while adjacent regions use high thermal conductivity materials for heat dissipation. This local optimization of material properties resolves the contradiction between heat generation and heat removal.
2Temperature
If the target is rotated to avoid overheating, then heat management is improved, but the amount of deposited heat is limited by rotation speed and bearing life
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical rotation system is replaced with a stationary multilayer target structure that achieves heat management through thermal conduction rather than mechanical movement. This eliminates limitations related to rotation speed and bearing life while allowing continuous operation at high power levels.
3Reliability
If conventional cooling methods are used, then target damage is prevented, but the overall flux of X-rays generated is markedly lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of X-ray generation and heat dissipation are merged into a single integrated multilayer target structure. The high-Z layer generates X-rays while the high thermal conductivity layer simultaneously conducts heat away, allowing both functions to operate at full capacity without the trade-offs of conventional separate cooling 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 enables increased X-ray flux and efficient heat management, reducing the risk of target damage and enhancing the suitability of X-ray sources for applications requiring high flux densities.
Implementation Method 1
the first layer is positioned closer to the electron emitter than the second layer, the first material layer has a higher overall thermal conductivity than the second layer
Implementation Method 2
two types may result: (1) Bremsstrahlung radiation, which is typically emitted toward a subject of interest for treatment or imaging
Implementation Method 3
characteristic radiation, which is a result of fluorescence from the target atoms
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an X-ray source is provided that includes one or more electron emitters configured to emit one or more electron beams and one or more source targets configured to receive the one or more electron beams emitted by the one or more electron emitters and, as a result of receiving the one or more electron beams, to emit X-rays. Each source target of the X-ray source includes a first layer having one or more first materials; and a second layer in thermal communication with the first layer and having one or more second materials. The first layer is positioned closer to the one or more emitters than the second layer, the first material has a higher overall thermal conductivity than the second layer, and the second layer produces the majority of the X-rays emitted by the source target.