RF Modulated X-Ray Beamforming via Field Emission Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray sources have limited ability to control or focus X-rays outside of a vacuum tube, making it challenging to consolidate X-ray radiation within a small region for improved imaging or radiation therapies.
Innovation Solution
The use of beamforming signal processing with field emission X-ray sources to create and steer narrow X-ray wavefronts or focused X-ray points through space, allowing for precise directional control and concentration of X-ray radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional X-ray sources use mechanical collimators to direct X-rays, then X-ray direction can be controlled, but the ability to tightly focus or consolidate X-ray radiation within a small region is limited due to physical collimator location constraints and natural X-ray spread
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical collimator system with an electronic beamforming control system. Instead of using physical collimators to mechanically direct X-rays, the invention uses electronic phase and amplitude modulation of multiple electron beams to achieve X-ray focusing and directional control. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints of mechanical collimators while maintaining or improving X-ray control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides a single X-ray source into multiple independent electron beam sources arranged in an array. Each electron beam can be independently controlled with its own phase and amplitude, allowing the system to synthesize complex X-ray radiation patterns through constructive and destructive interference. This segmentation enables precise X-ray focusing without mechanical collimators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If field emission X-ray sources are used to create multiple electron beams, then X-ray flux control is improved, but the ability to spatially overlap trajectories from different emitters requires additional focusing units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the focusing function into the common vacuum envelope and electrode structure that already exists for generating multiple electron beams. Instead of adding separate focusing units for each beam, the invention uses shared electrostatic or magnetic field elements that simultaneously focus multiple electron beam trajectories to a common spatial overlap region. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining flux control flexibility.
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 enables higher resolution X-ray imaging and more targeted radiation therapies by allowing for precise control and focusing of X-ray radiation, reducing exposure to non-target areas.
Implementation Method 1
Field emission based X-ray sources generate X-rays in the same way as conventional X-rays but produce the electrons by applying a high electric field over a conductor surface instead of using a thermionic emitter. The electron flux is a function of the conductor used, the size and shape of the conductor surface, and the intensity of the electric field.
Implementation Method 2
The electron beam is accelerated towards a heavy metal target anode, and the impact generates a broad spectrum of X-rays limited to the peak energy the electrons are accelerated to.
Implementation Method 3
a phased array of such sources can be used to create a narrow wavefront or focused point in space using beamforming signal processing
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A device and method for creating beam formed X-Ray radiation using radio frequency (RF) modulated field emission X-ray sources is described. A radio frequency RF source generates a RF control signal which is supplied to an array of phase delay elements to generate multiple individually controlled phase delayed RF signals. These are then directly provided to each of a plurality of field emission sources (via a matching circuit) to generate a plurality of RF modulated electron current, or beam, each at the same frequency and phase delay of the phase delayed RF signals. Each of the electron beams impacts a target anode to generate X-rays also at the same frequency and phase delay of the phase delayed RF signals. By controlling each of the phase delay elements a beamformed X-ray radiation pattern can be generated.