Single-Source Ion Generation for Same-Energy Heterologous Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion beam supply facilities require multiple ion sources and complex control systems to manage heterogeneous ions with different mass-to-charge ratios, resulting in a large-scale system that is inefficient in generating ions with the same per-nucleon energy at different timings.
Innovation Solution
An ion generation device that uses a single ion source to generate mixed ions, applies varying electric-field voltages and excitation currents to impart the same per-nucleon energy to ions, and adjusts high-frequency power to the linear accelerator based on mass-to-charge ratios, allowing for the output of heterogeneous ions with the same energy at different timings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ion sources are used to generate heterogeneous ions with different mass-to-charge ratios, then the ability to supply different types of ion beams is improved, but the system complexity increases due to multiple beam transport paths and transport-path switching devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single ion source that can generate multiple types of ions (e.g., carbon ions, hydrogen ions, helium ions) with different mass-to-charge ratios. This single ion source replaces the need for multiple specialized ion sources, thereby maintaining the ability to supply different types of ion beams while significantly reducing system complexity. The ion source is configured to produce ion beams with varying characteristics by adjusting operational parameters rather than requiring physical replacement of the ion source component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple ion sources into one unified ion source system. Instead of having separate ion sources for different ion types with associated transport paths and switching devices, the invention combines all ion generation capabilities into a single source that can produce heterogeneous ions. This merging eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall system architecture while preserving the versatility to supply different ion beam types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ion sources are used to generate heterogeneous ions, then the variety of ion beams can be increased, but the control technology complexity increases due to timing coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The single ion source is designed with multi-functional capabilities to generate various ion types (carbon, hydrogen, helium, and other heterogeneous ions) with different mass-to-charge ratios. By adjusting the ion source's operational parameters, it can produce the required variety of ion beams without requiring multiple specialized sources, thereby eliminating the need for complex timing coordination between multiple independent ion sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes to control the ion source's output characteristics. By varying operational parameters such as gas flow rates, power settings, and extraction voltages, the single ion source can generate ions with different mass-to-charge ratios on demand. This parameter-based control replaces the need for complex timing coordination systems that would be required if multiple ion sources were used, simplifying the control technology while maintaining ion beam variety.
3Manufacturing precision
If electric-field voltage is switched to impart the same per-nucleon energy to different ions, then energy matching for the linear accelerator is improved, but the control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the electric-field voltage in response to the mass-to-charge ratio of the ions being generated. When the ion source produces ions with different mass-to-charge ratios, the control system modifies the electric-field voltage parameters to ensure that all ions receive the same per-nucleon energy. This parameter adjustment approach achieves precise energy matching for the linear accelerator without requiring overly complex control systems, as it relies on straightforward voltage modulation based on ion characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the mass-to-charge ratio of ions generated by the ion source and automatically adjusts the electric-field voltage accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the per-nucleon energy remains consistent across different ion types by continuously comparing the actual ion characteristics with the target energy requirements and making real-time voltage adjustments. The feedback approach simplifies control precision requirements compared to open-loop systems that would require pre-calculated voltage settings for each ion type.
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 the efficient generation and acceleration of heterogeneous ions with the same per-nucleon energy using a single ion source, reducing system complexity and improving energy matching for high-energy ion beams.
Implementation Method 1
a raw material is converted into plasma by being irradiated with high-frequency electromagnetic energy so that mixed ions are generated
Implementation Method 2
an electric potential is applied to accelerate the mixed ions so that the ions are emitted while having a predetermined per-nucleon energy
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic field is applied to the mixed ions, which have been accelerated by the electric potential, in order to selectively allow first ions and second ions, which have a predetermined mass-to-charge ratio, to pass through
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for outputting heterologous ions having the same per-nucleon energy at different timings by using one ion source is provided.An ion generation device includes: an ion generation energy setter that causes first ions and second ions generated by ionization in a vacuum chamber to be emitted in a mixed state from an opening; an electric-field voltage adjuster that imparts a same predetermined per-nucleon energy to each of the first and second ions by applying electric potential formed between the opening and extraction electrodes while switching the electric potential between first and second electric-field voltages; and an excitation current adjuster that causes the first and second ions to be outputted at different timings by supplying a coil of a separation electromagnet with an excitation current while switching the excitation current between first and second excitation currents.