Tungsten-Diamond Transmission Target for X-ray Power Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current x-ray sources face limitations in focal spot power density, which restricts image resolution and imaging speed, particularly in multi-pixel x-ray sources, due to inefficient heat management and thermal conductivity constraints, leading to restricted advancement in x-ray imaging technologies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pixel x-ray source utilizing a tungsten-diamond transmission target configuration, where a thin tungsten layer is deposited on a diamond substrate, enhancing thermal conductivity and x-ray production efficiency, allowing for higher power density and improved heat dissipation, thereby increasing focal spot power density and imaging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conventional x-ray target is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the thermal conductivity is insufficient leading to limited focal spot power density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining tungsten (high atomic number for x-ray production) with diamond (high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation). This composite structure resolves the contradiction by achieving both high focal spot power density and effective heat management, while the modular design keeps manufacturing complexity manageable.
2Power
If a conventional reflection target is used, then the design is simple, but the x-ray fluence and power density are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional reflection target design by using a transmission target configuration where x-rays pass through the target rather than reflecting off it. This inversion enables higher power density and improved x-ray fluence while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the thin-film composite structure.
3Productivity
If higher power density is achieved, then imaging speed and resolution improve, but heat management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces diamond as a thermal intermediary between the tungsten x-ray production layer and the heat sink. The diamond substrate acts as a heat transfer mediator, conducting heat away from the focal spot efficiently while allowing the tungsten layer to operate at high power density for improved imaging speed.
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
The tungsten-diamond transmission target design achieves a four-fold higher power density and 20% greater x-ray fluence compared to reflection targets, enabling faster imaging speeds and higher image resolution, overcoming the limitations of traditional x-ray sources.
Implementation Method 1
One of the predominant x-ray production processes is Bremsstrahlung interaction process, where radiation is given off by electrons as they are scattered by the strong electric field near high-Z (proton number) nuclei.
Implementation Method 2
enhancing thermal conductivity and x-ray production efficiency, allowing for higher power density and improved heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-pixel x-ray source is provided. The x-ray source includes a plurality of transmission target assemblies. The transmission target assembly includes a tungsten target and a diamond substrate. The substrate includes a first transmission surface and a second transmission surface opposite first transmission surface. The substrate further includes a first side surface and a second side surface disposed between the first and second transmission surfaces. The target covers the first transmission surface of the substrate. The transmission target assembly further includes a base. The base surrounds the first and second side surfaces of substrate, exposing a collimator surface of the second transmission surface and the target. The transmission target assembly is configured to transmit x-ray generated by the target through the target and the substrate.