Reinforced Polymer X-ray Window with Carbon Nanotubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray windows face challenges in minimizing attenuation of low-energy x-rays while maintaining strength to prevent sagging or breaking, and in reducing x-ray spectra contamination from materials with higher atomic numbers.
Innovation Solution
The use of a thin film reinforced with carbon nanotubes and/or graphene, which provides high strength and minimizes atomic number contamination, combined with a support structure of ribs and openings to maintain film integrity and reduce x-ray attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the film is made thinner to minimize attenuation of low-energy x-rays, then x-ray transmission is improved, but the film strength decreases and it may sag or break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymer with carbon nanotubes and/or graphene to create a reinforced film structure. This composite approach allows the film to maintain extreme thinness (50-500 nm) for minimal x-ray attenuation while the high-strength carbon nanotubes and graphene provide the necessary mechanical strength to prevent sagging and breaking under differential pressure.
2Strength
If the ribs of the support structure are made wider and higher to provide sufficient strength, then film support is improved, but x-ray attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure ribs are made from composite materials (polymer reinforced with carbon nanotubes and/or graphene) that provide exceptional strength-to-volume ratio. This allows the ribs to be made with minimal cross-sectional dimensions, providing necessary structural support while maintaining low x-ray attenuation due to the small volume of material in the path of x-rays.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the window and support structure are made of material with low atomic number to minimize x-ray spectra contamination, then spectra purity is improved, but material strength options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where carbon nanotubes and/or graphene (low atomic number Z=6) are embedded in a polymer matrix. This composite structure provides both the low atomic number requirement for minimal x-ray fluorescence contamination and the high mechanical strength needed to support ultra-thin films and withstand operational stresses.
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 results in an x-ray window that is strong, minimizes x-ray attenuation, and reduces x-ray spectra contamination, enabling effective use in x-ray detectors and tubes while withstanding differential pressures and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The high strength material comprises carbon nanotubes and/or graphene
Implementation Method 2
The high strength material comprises carbon nanotubes and/or graphene
Implementation Method 3
allowing passage of x-rays through the window
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray window comprising a polymer and carbon nanotubes and/or graphene. The carbon nanotubes and/or graphene can be embedded in the polymer. Multiple layers of polymer, carbon nanotubes, and/or graphene may be used. The polymer with carbon nanotubes and/or graphene can be used as an x-ray window support structure and/or thin film.