Switchable Field Emitter X-Ray Source for Fast Pulse Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray sources have difficulty in producing controllable x-ray pulses due to their slow response times and the need for high voltage, which makes them challenging to switch on and off quickly.
Innovation Solution
A retrofittable x-ray emission system is introduced, featuring an array of secondary x-ray sources with field emission type electron emitters, low voltage driving circuits, high voltage supplies, digital switching units, and synchronizers to control the emission of electron beams and generate x-ray pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hot filament cathodes are used to generate x-rays, then x-ray production is achieved, but response time is slow and switching capability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the electron emitter from thermal emission (hot filament) to field emission (cold cathode). This parameter change enables fast switching capability while maintaining x-ray generation, directly resolving the contradiction between response time and switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical heating process of hot filaments with an electrical field emission process. This substitution eliminates the thermal inertia that limits switching speed, achieving both fast response time and reliable switching capability simultaneously.
2Power
If high voltage is applied to accelerate electrons, then x-ray generation is achieved, but switching on and off quickly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high voltage system into two independent parts: a continuously operating high voltage supply for electron acceleration, and a separately switchable low voltage circuit for controlling field emission. This segmentation allows the high voltage to remain stable while the low voltage circuit provides fast switching capability, resolving the contradiction between power and switching speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a low voltage circuit as an intermediary control mechanism between the control system and the high voltage electron acceleration system. This intermediary enables fast switching without directly interrupting the high voltage, which would be slow and difficult, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining high power and achieving fast switching.
3Stability of the object's composition
If steady electron stream is produced, then continuous x-ray output is achieved, but pulsed x-ray production is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electron emission dynamic and controllable by using a switchable low voltage circuit to modulate the field emission process. This allows the system to switch between continuous and pulsed operation modes, resolving the contradiction between stable continuous output and adaptable pulsed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables periodic switching of the electron emission through the controllable low voltage circuit, allowing the system to produce pulsed x-ray output when needed while maintaining the capability for continuous operation. This periodic control mechanism resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
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 system enables fast and controlled x-ray emission, allowing for the production of x-ray pulses and improving the responsiveness of x-ray sources, which is essential for advanced imaging applications like computed tomography (CT) scanners.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the secondary x-ray sources may include: at least one field emission type electron emitting construct
Implementation Method 2
a high voltage supply for establishing an electron accelerating potential between the at least one electron emitting construct and the anode target
Implementation Method 3
X-ray sources generally produce x-rays by accelerating a stream of electrons using a high voltage electric field towards an anode target
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for improving x-ray sources with switchable electron emitters. Improved systems may use the functionality of the switchable electron emitters in various configurations to provide power regulation, multidimensional analysis, and electron beam forming so as to increase the durability and the reliability of the system. Cooling mechanisms may be used to further protect the anode from deterioration over time.