Optoelectronic Electron Source Vacuum Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electron sources for x-ray apparatuses with carbon nanotubes face challenges in reliably and reproducibly setting and maintaining radiation power with minimal electrical circuit complexity, particularly in terms of switching capability.
Innovation Solution
An electron source with an optoelectronic switching element, such as a plasma switch, is used to activate and deactivate the electron emitter, eliminating the need for electrical signal lines through the vacuum container by using optical signals, and incorporating a laser as a light source with a multiplexer for efficient activation of multiple switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical signal lines are directed through the wall of the vacuum container to control electron emitters, then the electron source can be switched on and off, but the vacuum container cannot be hermetically sealed and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through vacuum container walls with optical signal transmission. Optical fibers or light-conducting elements are used to transmit control signals from external controllers to the electron emitters inside the vacuum container, eliminating the need for electrical penetrations and enabling hermetic sealing while maintaining switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers or light-conducting elements as intermediary components between the external control system and the electron emitters. These intermediaries transmit control signals through the vacuum container wall without compromising the vacuum seal, solving the contradiction between hermetic sealing and signal transmission
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electron emitters are arranged within the x-ray tube to enable wide-ranging possibilities, then the versatility of the x-ray system increases, but the electrical circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple electron emitters within the x-ray tube, each capable of being independently controlled through optical signaling. This enables the system to perform multiple functions and replace various movable machine parts in CT systems, achieving high versatility without proportionally increasing electrical circuit complexity since all emitters use the same optical control mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the electron source into multiple independent electron emitters, each with its own optical control channel. This segmentation allows independent control of each emitter through separate optical fibers, enabling flexible configuration and operation of multiple emitters without requiring a complex integrated electrical control system
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
This solution enables a rapidly switchable electron source with no electrical signal lines through the vacuum container, allowing for hermetic sealing and compact design, with switching times as short as 100 ns and the ability to replace movable machine parts with stationary ones in x-ray systems.
Implementation Method 1
Another switch that, upon actuation, generates a plasma that enables an electrical current flow
Implementation Method 2
an optoelectronic switching element encompasses any switching element that enables the switching of an electrical current by means of an optical signal
Implementation Method 3
A laser is in particular suitable as a light source
Implementation Method 4
an electron emitter with carbon nanotubes that require no electrical power for heating
Data Source
AI summary
An electron source has an electron emitter, an anode, a voltage source connected between the electron emitter and the anode, as well as a switch connected with the electron emitter. The switch is fashioned as a optoelectronic switching element.