Multi-pole Electromagnet for Particle Beam Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic apparatuses for deflecting charged particle beams in particle therapy face challenges such as increased size, complexity, and beam aberrations due to differing speed of response in horizontal and vertical axes, which affect the precision and efficiency of beam delivery.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pole electromagnet system with six or more electromagnetic portions aligned on a plane, configured to generate a high-quality dipole magnetic field using sinusoidal currents and separate power amplifiers, allowing for precise control and rotation of the magnetic field to deflect charged particle beams to arbitrary angles, reducing physical size and improving beam quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional horizontal and vertical electromagnetic portions are used separately, then beam deflection in two directions is achieved, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines horizontal and vertical electromagnetic portions into a single multi-pole electromagnet with six or more poles arranged in a circle. This unified structure generates both horizontal and vertical deflection fields simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate electromagnetic assemblies and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full two-axis beam deflection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-pole electromagnet serves multiple functions: it generates dipole fields for beam deflection in any direction, provides quadrupole fields for beam focusing, and can be configured to produce different field strengths independently in horizontal and vertical planes. This single apparatus replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components.
2Ease of operation
If separate horizontal and vertical electromagnetic portions are used, then beam deflection is achieved, but system physical size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates horizontal and vertical electromagnetic functions into a single circular array of six or more poles, significantly reducing the physical footprint compared to separate horizontal and vertical electromagnetic assemblies. This compact design maintains full two-axis deflection capability while occupying less space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement of separate horizontal and vertical electromagnetic portions to a three-dimensional circular configuration of multiple poles. This spatial reorganization allows all deflection functions to be achieved within a more compact volume, reducing the overall apparatus footprint.
3Ease of operation
If different air gaps are used for horizontal and vertical portions, then beam deflection is achieved, but response time differences cause planning complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pole pieces with locally optimized geometries and adjustable air gaps that can be independently tuned for horizontal and vertical deflection. This allows each region of the electromagnet to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining synchronized response characteristics across all poles, eliminating the planning complexity associated with mismatched response times.
4Ease of operation
If conventional electromagnetic designs are used, then beam deflection is achieved, but beam aberrations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pole pieces with specifically designed local geometries that optimize the magnetic field distribution in different regions. The pole face shapes and air gap variations are locally tuned to compensate for aberrations and maintain high beam quality across the entire deflection range, reducing distortions that would otherwise degrade beam precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates magnetic field measurement and feedback mechanisms that monitor the actual field distribution and adjust pole piece positions or currents to compensate for deviations. This active control maintains optimal beam quality by correcting aberrations in real-time, ensuring high precision delivery despite variations in operating conditions.
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 multi-pole electromagnet system enables precise and efficient delivery of charged particle beams to arbitrary points, reducing beam aberrations and system size while maintaining high-quality dipole magnetic fields, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of particle therapy.
Implementation Method 1
at least six coils are configured for affecting a dipole magnetic field in the volume in response to electrical currents applied to physically opposing coils
Implementation Method 2
configured to generate a high-quality dipole magnetic field using sinusoidal currents and separate power amplifiers, allowing for precise control and rotation of the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A variety of systems, apparatus and methods for deflecting a particle beam are described. An apparatus comprises at least six electromagnetic portions disposed on a plane. Each of the at least six electromagnetic portions is aligned with a radius emanating from an axis normal to the plane and is distanced from the axis to form a volume about the axis. At least six coils are configured for affecting a dipole magnetic field in the volume in response to electrical currents applied to physically opposing coils where a particle beam entering the volume is deflected. Each of the at least six coils is disposed about a one of the at least six electromagnetic portions. A yoke structure is configured for returning a generated magnetic flux.