Superconducting Air-Core Magnet for Compact Particle Beam Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle therapy systems face challenges in achieving precise beam guidance and homogeneous spatial distribution of ion beams due to limitations in magnetic flux density and current carrying capacity, leading to suboptimal deflection angles and increased magnet system size, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a beam guidance magnet with curved coils and a scanner magnet system that allows for variable deflection in the y,z plane, along with a correction system using electric and/or magnetic fields to regulate the particle path, enabling precise beam guidance and correction of inaccuracies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ferromagnetic yoke material is used for the gantry magnets, then the magnetic flux density is limited to about 2 Tesla due to saturation effects, but the achievable deflection radius becomes too large leading to unacceptable weight and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of magnetic flux density by transitioning from ferromagnetic materials (limited to ~2 Tesla) to superconducting air-core coils capable of generating significantly higher flux densities. This parameter change enables achieving the required deflection precision with a much smaller deflection radius, thereby reducing the magnet system weight from an unacceptable level to a clinically viable level.
2Weight of stationary object
If the magnetic flux density is increased to reduce the deflection radius, then the magnet system size and weight are reduced, but the current carrying capacity of conventional conductors becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs superconducting materials as composite elements within the air-core coil system. These superconducting materials enable the magnet system to carry extremely high current densities without resistive losses, overcoming the current carrying capacity limitations of conventional conductors while maintaining the high magnetic flux density required for compact system design.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional conductors are used in the deflection magnets, then the current carrying capacity is limited, but achieving the required deflection angles with limited current results in larger magnet system size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the electrical conductivity parameter by implementing superconducting air-core coils. This enables the system to carry the high currents necessary for generating strong magnetic fields without the resistive losses and current density limitations of conventional conductors, achieving the required deflection angles in a compact volume.
4Volume of stationary object
If the deflection radius is reduced to achieve compact system size, then the magnet system becomes more compact, but the magnetic flux density must be increased beyond what ferromagnetic materials can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses superconducting materials in air-core coil configurations to generate the extremely high magnetic flux densities required for compact deflection radii. The superconducting air-core design eliminates ferromagnetic saturation effects, enabling the system to achieve both compact volume and the high field strengths necessary for precise beam deflection.
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 maximally precise beam guidance and correction of spatial and angular deviations, reducing the need for large deflection radii and minimizing weight and cost while maintaining compactness and lightness of the magnet system.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one beam guidance magnet has a coil system which has at least one coil that is curved along the particle path for the purpose of deflecting the beam onto a curved particle path
Implementation Method 2
The at least one scanner magnet variably deflects the beam in a y,z plane at right angles to the particle path
Implementation Method 3
at least one correction system which is embodied to influence the particle path in a regulated or controlled manner with the aid of electric and/or magnetic fields
Implementation Method 4
at least one correction system which is embodied to influence the particle path in a regulated or controlled manner with the aid of electric and/or magnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
A device for deflecting a beam of electrically charged particles onto a curved particle path is provided. The device includes at least one beam guidance magnet having a coil system which has at least one coil that is curved along the particle path for the purpose of deflecting the beam onto a curved particle path, and at least one scanner magnet for variably deflecting the beam in a y,z plane at right angles to the particle path, characterized in that the device has at least one correction system which is embodied to influence the particle path in a regulated or controlled manner with the aid of electric and/or magnetic fields as a function of the position of the beam in the y,z plane. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for deflecting a beam of electrically charged particles onto a curved particle path.