Polygonal Linear Accelerator Layout for Compact Ion Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear accelerators for ion implantation systems face challenges with large size, beamline length, and the need for improved serviceability while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
A linear accelerator design featuring a polygonal backbone, such as a hexagonal backbone, with components arranged along different sides of the beamline enclosure, allowing for compact and accessible placement of resonators, bunchers, and quadrupole assemblies, facilitating efficient space usage and maintenance access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a traditional linear accelerator design is used, then the ion beam can be accelerated to high energy, but the device occupies a large space and requires a long beamline length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a traditional linear arrangement of acceleration stages to a polygonal (e.g., hexagonal) configuration where stages are distributed around a central axis. This allows the beamline to fold back on itself, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space rather than extending linearly, thereby reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining the required acceleration path length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing resonators, bunchers, and quadrupole assemblies within or adjacent to the polygonal beamline structure. Components are arranged in a compact, nested configuration where inner components are positioned within the geometric structure formed by outer components, maximizing space utilization and reducing the external dimensions of the accelerator.
2Reliability
If multiple components are arranged in a traditional linear configuration, then the acceleration function is maintained, but serviceability and maintenance access become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the accelerator into modular acceleration stages arranged around the polygonal backbone. Each stage with its resonator, buncher, and quadrupole assembly can be independently accessed, removed, or serviced. This modular segmentation allows maintenance personnel to work on individual components without disrupting the entire system, significantly improving serviceability while maintaining the complete acceleration function.
3Device complexity
If components are placed along a single side of the beamline, then the design is simple, but space utilization is inefficient and access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by distributing components unevenly around the polygonal backbone rather than symmetrically or linearly. Different sides of the polygon can accommodate different types of components based on their specific requirements, allowing optimized placement for both space utilization and maintenance access. This asymmetric arrangement maximizes the use of available three-dimensional space while maintaining design feasibility.
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 design achieves a more compact and efficient linear accelerator architecture that maintains performance, providing enhanced serviceability and space utilization without sacrificing functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a resonator, coupled to deliver an RF signal to the drift tube assembly
Implementation Method 2
a quadrupole assembly to shape the ion beam
Implementation Method 3
a drift tube assembly to conduct an ion beam therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A linear accelerator apparatus may include a beamline enclosure that defines a polygonal backbone, and a plurality of acceleration stages, disposed along a length of the beamline enclosure. A given acceleration stage may include a drift tube assembly to conduct an ion beam therethrough, a resonator, coupled to deliver an RF signal to the drift tube assembly, and a quadrupole assembly to shape the ion beam. As such, at a first acceleration stage, a first resonator may be disposed along a first side of the polygonal backbone, and at a second acceleration stage, adjacent to and downstream of the first acceleration stage, a second resonator may be disposed along a second side of the polygonal backbone, different from the first side.