Oriented Patterned Target for Fast Ion Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating fast ions, such as those used in accelerators, are costly and inefficient, while laser-based techniques face challenges in optimizing energy coupling and ion production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of oriented patterned targets (OPT) with specifically designed surface features and optimized grazing angles and polarization directions for high power coherent electromagnetic radiation to enhance energy coupling and produce fast ions with high kinetic energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional accelerators (cyclotrons or synchrotrons) are used to produce fast ion beams, then reliable fast ion production is achieved, but the system becomes large, expensive, and costly to operate and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical accelerator systems (cyclotrons, synchrotrons) with a laser-based system that uses high-intensity electromagnetic radiation to directly generate fast ions through interaction with a target material. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical components, magnetic fields, and complex vacuum systems while achieving the same function of producing fast ion beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of the system by using ultra-short laser pulses (1-500 femtoseconds) with extremely high peak powers to create intense electromagnetic fields that directly accelerate ions. This parameter change from gradual mechanical acceleration to instantaneous electromagnetic acceleration dramatically simplifies the system while maintaining reliability.
2Device complexity
If laser pulses are used to generate fast ions, then system cost and size are reduced, but energy coupling efficiency and ion production efficiency need optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a pre-pulse (first laser pulse) to condition the target surface before the main pulse arrives. The pre-pulse creates optimal surface conditions that enhance the coupling efficiency of the subsequent main pulse, ensuring maximum energy transfer to the target and efficient ion generation. This two-stage approach optimizes energy coupling without requiring larger or more expensive laser systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If pre-pulses are used to condition the target, then energy coupling is improved, but interference from pre-pulses may reduce main pulse effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and separates the target conditioning function into a distinct pre-pulse stage, allowing the main pulse to focus solely on ion generation. By taking out the conditioning function and performing it separately with a low-energy pre-pulse, the main high-energy pulse avoids interference and maintains its effectiveness for producing fast ions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-pulse performs preliminary conditioning of the target surface by creating optimal conditions for main pulse coupling without significantly depleting the target or creating harmful effects. This preliminary action prepares the target to efficiently receive and convert the main pulse energy into fast ions, ensuring both improved coupling and maintained main pulse effectiveness.
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 approach significantly increases the flux and energy of fast ions produced, achieving kinetic energies up to several hundred MeV with improved efficiency compared to traditional targets, while minimizing interference from pre-pulses.
Implementation Method 1
efficient coupling of high power coherent electromagnetic radiation into the target
Implementation Method 2
generation of fast ions during interaction of a short laser pulse
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention discloses a system and method for generating a beam of fast ions. The system comprising: a target substrate having a patterned surface, a pattern comprising nanoscale pattern features oriented substantially uniformly along a common axis; and; a beam unit adapted for receiving a high power coherent electromagnetic radiation beam and focusing it onto said patterned surface of the target substrate to cause interaction between said radiation beam and said substrate enabling creation of fast ions.