Nanoparticle Dispersion Enhances Radiation Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for enhancing the sensitivity of radiation-sensitive films using high Z elements are limited by the water insolubility of these elements, which leads to opaque particles that degrade image quality and clarity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating nanoparticles of sensitizer materials with average sizes ranging from 1 nm to 500 nm into the radiation-sensitive composition, specifically diacetylene monomers, to improve sensitivity and maintain film clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If water soluble high Z element compounds (like CsBr) are used as additives, then radiation sensitivity is improved, but film clarity and image quality deteriorate due to opaque particles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation sensitivityVSAvoidfilm clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the particle size parameter of high Z element compounds from conventional large particles to nanoparticles (1-500 nm average diameter). This parameter change transforms the harmful opaque particles into transparent or translucent nanoparticles that can be well-dispersed in the coating fluid, thereby maintaining film clarity while preserving radiation sensitivity enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining diacetylene monomers (radiation-sensitive component) with nanoparticle dispersions of high Z element compounds (sensitizer). This composite approach allows the nanoparticles to be uniformly distributed within the polymer matrix, achieving both improved radiation sensitivity through high Z element absorption and maintained film clarity through nanoparticle transparency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Use of energy by moving object

If high Z element compounds are incorporated into radiation sensitive film, then x-ray absorption is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to particle opacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvex-ray absorptionVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter change by reducing the size of high Z element compounds to nanoparticle dimensions (1-500 nm). This size reduction changes the optical properties from opaque to transparent/translucent, allowing the nanoparticles to absorb x-ray energy effectively while not degrading image quality or clarity of the radiographic film.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional additives are used to improve sensitivity, then radiation response is enhanced, but film transparency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation responseVSAvoidfilm transparency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and size parameter of the sensitizer from conventional large crystalline particles to nanoparticles with 1-500 nm average diameter. This parameter change enables the sensitizer to enhance radiation response while maintaining film transparency, as the nanoparticles are small enough to be transparent or translucent in the visible spectrum.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 nanoparticle dispersion enhances the sensitivity of radiation-sensitive materials, allowing for accurate and high-resolution image recording while maintaining film transparency and image quality.

Implementation Method 1

The high Z element adsorbs more kilo-voltage x-ray and generates photoelectrons which in turn increases the energy adsorption by diacetylene monomer to initiate the polymerization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Radiochromic film is based on the polymerization of diacetylene monomers upon exposure to ionizing radiation (e.g., X-ray)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS8486592B2Nanoparticle dispersion to improve radiation sensitivity
Publication Date: 2013.07.16 ISP INVESTMENTS INC

AI summary

A radiation-sensitive material comprising a support and a radiation sensitive composition on the support is disclosed, wherein the radiation sensitive composition includes a dispersion containing nanoparticles of a sensitizer.