Pre-accelerator System for Ion Beam Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for generating epithermal neutrons for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) face challenges such as inefficient moderation, high activation of system components, and complexity in beam shaping assemblies, leading to suboptimal beam quality and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of a pre-accelerator system that includes an ion source, an electrostatic lens, a pre-accelerator tube, and a magnetic focusing device to efficiently accelerate negative hydrogen ions to higher energies, reducing space charge effects and beam divergence, and minimizing backflow and bremsstrahlung radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional cyclotron accelerators with beryllium targets are used to generate epithermal neutrons, then high neutron yield is achieved, but the energy spectrum shifts to higher energies requiring complicated beam shaping assemblies for moderation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the neutron generation process by using a tandem accelerator to first generate protons at optimized energies (1.9-3.0 MeV), then directs these protons to a lithium target to produce epithermal neutrons. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex beam shaping assemblies required by cyclotron-beryllium systems, as the proton energy is already optimized for epithermal neutron production without requiring substantial moderation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter of proton beam energy to match the optimal range (1.9-3.0 MeV) for lithium target neutron production. By precisely controlling the proton energy within this range, the system directly generates epithermal neutrons with the desired energy spectrum, eliminating the need for energy reduction through complex moderation assemblies.
2Productivity
If high energy accelerators are used to generate neutrons, then neutron production is achieved, but system costs increase and activation of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the proton beam energy parameter to the optimal range of 1.9-3.0 MeV, which is sufficient for epithermal neutron production via lithium target without excessive energy. This parameter optimization reduces component activation compared to higher energy systems while maintaining effective neutron production for BNCT treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a lithium target that can be replaced or optimized for specific energy ranges, rather than using expensive high-energy accelerator infrastructure. The lithium target system at 1.9-3.0 MeV provides cost-effective neutron generation with reduced activation issues compared to sustained high-energy accelerator operations.
3Speed
If RF-based accelerators are used for lithium targets, then proton acceleration is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex RF-based acceleration systems with a tandem electrostatic accelerator design. This substitution uses static electric fields instead of time-varying RF fields, simplifying the system while achieving the required proton acceleration to 1.9-3.0 MeV for lithium target neutron production.
Solution Approach 2:
The tandem accelerator uses an inverted acceleration approach where protons are accelerated in one direction, pass through a high voltage terminal, and are then accelerated again in the opposite direction. This inversion allows achieving high proton energies (1.9-3.0 MeV) with a single high voltage terminal rather than requiring complex multi-stage RF acceleration systems.
4Use of energy by moving object
If electrostatic accelerators are used for lithium targets, then lower proton beam energies are achieved, but beam quality and source control become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The tandem electrostatic accelerator inverts the traditional approach by placing the ion source at ground potential and accelerating ions through a high voltage terminal. This inversion allows precise control of beam quality at the source while achieving the required 1.9-3.0 MeV proton energy, overcoming the beam quality control challenges of conventional electrostatic accelerators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary beam formation and quality optimization at the ion source before acceleration, using the tandem configuration to establish high-quality proton beams at ground potential. This preliminary action ensures optimal beam parameters are achieved before the protons are accelerated to 1.9-3.0 MeV for lithium target interaction.
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 results in a compact, efficient, and high-quality ion beam source for tandem accelerator systems, improving beam quality, reducing system complexity, and lowering operational costs while enhancing reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-accelerator system that includes an ion source, an electrostatic lens, a pre-accelerator tube, and a magnetic focusing device to efficiently accelerate negative hydrogen ions
Implementation Method 2
a pre-accelerator system that includes an ion source, an electrostatic lens, a pre-accelerator tube, and a magnetic focusing device to efficiently accelerate negative hydrogen ions
Implementation Method 3
a pre-accelerator system that includes an ion source, an electrostatic lens, a pre-accelerator tube, and a magnetic focusing device to efficiently accelerate negative hydrogen ions to higher energies
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of systems, devices, and methods relate to a beam system. An example beam system includes a charged particle source configured to generate a beam of charged particles, a pre-accelerator system configured to accelerate the beam, and an accelerator configured to accelerate the beam from the pre-accelerator system. The pre-accelerator system can cause the beam to converge as it is propagated from the source to an input aperture of the accelerator. The pre-accelerator system can further reduce or eliminate source disturbance or damage caused by backflow traveling from the accelerator toward the source.