Planar Electron Gun Lorentz-Force Magnetometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic sensors face limitations such as physical size, cost, low sensitivity, power consumption, and frequency response, which restrict their applications and performance.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, compact, and highly sensitive magnetic-field detector is developed using a Planar Electron Gun fabricated through a standard integrated circuit process, leveraging Cold Field Emission and the Lorentz Force to achieve high sensitivity and bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional magnetic sensors are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sensitivity and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electron gun, vacuum chamber, and detection electrodes into a single integrated planar device structure. The electron gun emits electrons that travel through a vacuum region to collectors, with the entire assembly fabricated as one compact unit using standard IC processes, achieving high sensitivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical magnetic sensing mechanisms with an electron-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical movements or traditional sensor elements, the invention uses electron emission, acceleration, and collection to detect magnetic fields via the Lorentz force, enabling higher bandwidth and sensitivity
2Productivity
If conventional magnetic sensors are used, then the power consumption is moderate, but the frequency response to changing fields is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electron emission and detection cycles to measure magnetic fields at high frequencies. The electron gun can be pulsed or operated continuously with high-frequency modulation, enabling the device to respond to rapidly changing magnetic fields while maintaining controlled power consumption through duty-cycle management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electron system by adjusting electron beam energy, emission current, and collection electrode potentials to optimize both bandwidth and power consumption. The ability to dynamically adjust these parameters allows the device to achieve high frequency response when needed while consuming less power during normal operation
3Measurement precision
If conventional magnetic sensors are used, then the fabrication process is simple, but the sensitivity and bandwidth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard integrated circuit fabrication processes that can manufacture multiple components (electron gun, electrodes, vacuum seals) simultaneously in a single production line. This universal manufacturing approach enables high-sensitivity devices to be produced using the same facilities that manufacture conventional electronics, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving superior performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replicates proven IC fabrication techniques and vacuum sealing methods from existing semiconductor manufacturing to create the electron-based magnetic sensor. By copying established processes rather than developing new ones, the invention achieves high sensitivity while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing facilities and processes
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 provides a high-bandwidth, extremely sensitive, and compact magnetic-field detector, overcoming the limitations of conventional sensors and enabling new applications such as hand-held and wearable devices, rapid measurements, and sensing weaker fields.
Implementation Method 1
The Planar Electron Gun uses Cold Field Emission (CFE) to stimulate emission of electrons from a shaped Cathode or Emitter using a nearby Grid
Implementation Method 2
The emitted electrons drift due to an applied field to a pair or plurality of Anodes or Collectors where they are collected
Implementation Method 3
The Lorentz Force states that a charge moving horizontally along a Y-axis, acted upon by a vertical (Z-axis) magnetic field will experience a horizontal force (in the X axis), according to the equation F=qE+qv×B
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic field sensing device fabricated via an integrated circuit fabrication process, incorporates a planar electron gun. The device has an evacuated chamber in which electrons emitted by cold field emission may travel on a long mean free path, with minimal collisions with atoms, ions or other obstructions. The device also has a glass or plastic window over the evacuated chamber, allowing the entry of magnetic fields, but not of air or contaminants. The device also has two or more anodes, to which nominally the same potential is applied, causing the electrons to drift or accelerate from the cathode to strike the anodes, with the number of electrons arriving at each anode being modulated by the Lorentz Force resulting from the magnetic field entering the chamber. The device also has an integrated voltage multiplier to provide a large negative potential to the cathode.