Krypton-85-Free Spark Gap Using Discharge Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spark gaps rely on radioactive materials like krypton-85 or cosmic rays to generate seed electrons, which are costly and unreliable for timely electron creation, especially in devices with small interaction volumes.
Innovation Solution
Employing a light source, such as a discharge probe with electrodes in a sealed tube filled with inert gas, to utilize the photoelectric effect and generate seed electrons by emitting photons that cause electron emission from the electrodes, eliminating the need for radioactive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radioactive materials like krypton-85 are used to generate seed electrons, then electron generation reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and handling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the radioactive material (krypton-85) from the spark gap system, replacing it with a light source positioned outside the sealed envelope. This eliminates the need for handling and manufacturing with radioactive materials while maintaining electron generation capability through external optical stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light (photons) as an intermediary between the power source and the spark gap electrodes. The light source emits photons that stimulate electron emission from the cathode surface, serving as a non-radioactive mediator to initiate the breakdown process reliably without requiring radioactive isotopes.
2Device complexity
If cosmic rays are relied upon to create free electrons, then device complexity is reduced, but electron creation timeliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the light source to pre-stimulate the cathode surface and generate seed electrons before the high voltage breakdown occurs. This active preparation of electrons in advance eliminates the random waiting time associated with cosmic ray events, ensuring timely electron availability when needed.
3Reliability
If radioactive materials are used in spark gaps, then electron generation is enhanced, but device safety and environmental impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes radioactive materials from the system by positioning the light source externally and sealing the spark gap electrodes in an envelope that excludes radioactive contamination risks, thereby eliminating harmful radioactive effects while preserving electron generation functionality.
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 allows for reliable and efficient generation of seed electrons, maintaining device performance without radioactive components and enabling operation over a wide range of temperatures with reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a discharge probe configured to emit light toward the first and second surface such that photons emitted by the discharge probe when the spark gap device is operated are incident on the first surface and cause electron emission from the first surface
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a spark gap device (100) that includes a first electrode (102) having a first surface (130) and a second electrode (104) having a second surface offset from and facing the first surface (130). The spark gap device (100) also includes a light source (120) configured to emit light toward at least the first surface (130) such that photons emitted by the light source (120) when the spark gap (100) is operated are incident on the first surface (130) and cause electron emission from the first surface (130). The light source (120) includes a discharge probe (121) having a third electrode (122) sealed in a tube (124) filled with an inert gas (126). The spark gap device (100) may not include a radioactive component.