Man-Portable X-Ray Accelerator Using Segmented Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable X-ray radiation sources are heavy and cumbersome, making them difficult to deploy and operate in field settings, such as crime scenes or combat zones, where lightweight and easily transportable systems are needed for identifying explosive devices and other materials.
Innovation Solution
A man-portable radiation generation system comprising lightweight modules, including a battery module, a modulator module, and an accelerator module, configured for selective electrical coupling to generate X-ray radiation with a peak energy of about 1 MeV, designed to be carried and set up by one or two people, with each module weighing less than 100 pounds and equipped with a magnetron and electron gun for efficient power and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional portable X-ray radiation sources are used, then radiation generation capability is achieved, but weight and portability deteriorate (weighing several tons to hundreds of pounds)
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a charged particle accelerator module, a radiation target module, and a power supply module. Each module can be independently handled and transported, with the accelerator and target together weighing less than 100 pounds. This segmentation allows the heavy components to be distributed and managed more easily while maintaining full radiation generation capability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a 9.3 GHz magnetron operating at S-band frequency, which enables compact accelerator design compared to lower frequency systems. The use of high-frequency electromagnetic waves allows for smaller cavity dimensions and reduced overall system size, directly contributing to weight reduction while maintaining effective radiation production at energies around 1 MeV.
2Ease of operation
If conventional portable X-ray sources are used, then radiation source functionality is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates (difficult to deploy and set up in field settings)
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the accelerator and target into distinct, lightweight modules that can be independently transported and quickly assembled in field settings. This modular approach simplifies deployment logistics, allowing operators to carry and set up components separately without requiring heavy lifting equipment or complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerator module incorporates an integrated electron gun and bunching cavity that automatically prepare and inject electron beams into the accelerating structures. This self-contained design eliminates the need for external beam preparation equipment, reducing system complexity and simplifying operation while maintaining reliable radiation generation.
3Power
If linear RF particle accelerators with resonant cavities are used, then charged particle acceleration to desired energy is achieved, but system weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses 9.3 GHz S-band radiofrequency electromagnetic waves to accelerate charged particles, enabling compact cavity designs with small dimensions (e.g., 1.27 cm x 1.27 cm x 1.91 cm per cell). This high-frequency operation allows achieving 1 MeV electron beam energy in a much shorter accelerator structure compared to lower frequency systems, directly reducing the weight and size of the accelerating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant cavities are constructed using lightweight aluminum materials rather than traditional heavy metals, reducing the mass of the accelerating structures while maintaining mechanical strength and electromagnetic performance. This material selection contributes significantly to the overall weight reduction of the accelerator module.
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
Enables quick and efficient deployment of a lightweight X-ray scanning system capable of imaging through steel, facilitating the identification of explosive devices and other materials in challenging environments with reduced operator exposure to radiation.
Implementation Method 1
A microwave (RF) power source provides RF power to the cavities of the accelerator. The microwave source may be an oscillating microwave power tube, such as a magnetron
Implementation Method 2
a source of charged particles, such as an electron gun, to inject charged particles into the accelerator
Implementation Method 3
The linear accelerator may comprise a series of linearly arranged, electromagnetically coupled resonant cavities in which standing or traveling electromagnetic waves for accelerating the charged particles are supported
Implementation Method 4
Where the accelerated charged particles are electrons and the target is a heavy material, such as tungsten, Bremsstrahlung or X-ray radiation is generated. Electrons accelerated to a nominal energy of 1 MeV and impacting tungsten, will cause generation of X-ray radiation having a peak energy of 1 MeV
Data Source
AI summary
Man-portable radiation generation sources and systems that may be carried by hand to a site of interest by one or two people, are disclosed. Methods of use of such sources and systems are also disclosed. Battery operated radiation generation sources, air cooled radiation generation sources, and charged particle accelerators, are also disclosed. A radiation generation source, a radiation scanning system, and a target assembly comprising target material having a thickness of less than 0.20 mm are also disclosed.