Monolithic UV Photocathode Electron Beam for Compact Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electron beam devices are large in size and lack integration capabilities with semiconductor technologies, limiting their application in small footprint systems and efficient light generation without electrical injection.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor ultraviolet light source (SULS) with a photocathode and an anode separated by a vacuum gap, utilizing a transition layer and control electrodes to generate and manipulate free electron beams for irradiating a target material, allowing for reduced device size and integration with semiconductor technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional electron beam devices are used, then electron beam generation is achieved, but device size is large and integration capability is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidintegration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges semiconductor technology with vacuum tube technology by integrating a semiconductor ultraviolet light source (SULS) with a photocathode and anode structure. This combination allows the device to achieve both compact size and functional integration, resolving the contradiction between small device volume and adaptability for integration with semiconductor technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electron beam device is designed to serve multiple functions: generating electron beams, enabling microscopic scale integration, and providing efficient light generation without electrical injection. The device can be integrated with semiconductor technologies while maintaining vacuum tube functionality, achieving universality across different technological domains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If traditional light emitting methods are used, then light generation is achieved, but electrical injection is required which limits efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight generation efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical injection requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional electrical injection mechanism with a photoelectric effect-based electron generation mechanism. The semiconductor ultraviolet light source generates ultraviolet photons that strike the photocathode to emit electrons, eliminating the need for complex electrical injection systems and improving light generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of electron generation from electrical injection to optical excitation. By using ultraviolet photons with sufficient energy to overcome the photocathode's work function, the system achieves efficient electron emission without requiring electrical injection, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If photocathode is made transparent to SULS light, then photoelectron generation is enhanced, but photocathode structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephotoelectron generation efficiencyVSAvoidphotocathode structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photocathode is designed with local quality variations: it is transparent to ultraviolet light from the SULS while maintaining photoelectron emission capability. This is achieved by selecting specific materials and thicknesses that allow ultraviolet transmission while enabling efficient photoelectron generation at the photocathode-anode interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 generation of light in small footprint systems without electrical injection, facilitating microscopic scale integration and efficient light emission with shorter wavelengths than the source used for generating photoelectrons.

Implementation Method 1

Photocathode technology is based on a photoelectric effect when an electron within some material absorbs the energy of a photon and acquires more energy than its binding energy and is able to leave the material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Where the beam collides with solid-state matter, electrons are converted into heat or kinetic energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron kinetic energy conversion: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

Properties of the electron beam are manipulated using additional electrodes placed in between cathode and anode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field control: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS12451314B2Electron beam devices with semiconductor ultraviolet light source

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 GASKA CONSULTING LLC

AI summary

Devices include a semiconductor ultraviolet light source; a photocathode attached to the semiconductor ultraviolet light source; an anode; and a separation layer configured to create a vacuum gap between the anode and cathode. The semiconductor ultraviolet light source generates photoelectrons at a surface of the photocathode. The construct is configured together as a monolithic integrated element.