X-ray Generator Parabolic Mirrors Focused Beam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray generators struggle to produce a high-intensity focused X-ray beam with a small beam size and divergence angle, which is essential for achieving high resolution in X-ray diffraction measurements.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray generator employs a line X-ray source, a multilayer film mirror, and a side-by-side reflecting mirror with concave mirrors having parabolic cross-sections. The multilayer film mirror focuses the X-ray beam, and the side-by-side reflecting mirror further refines the focus, resulting in a small, high-intensity X-ray beam.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a line X-ray source is used, then the balance between resolution and sample size is improved, but the beam intensity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresolutionVSAvoidbeam intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is segmented into two separate mirrors: a multilayer film mirror for monochromatization and a side-by-side reflecting mirror for focusing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the system to maintain high resolution while achieving high beam intensity through efficient optical path management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side-by-side reflecting mirror uses a unique configuration where two concave mirrors are arranged side-by-side with their focal points coinciding. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions enables the system to focus the X-ray beam to a small spot size while maintaining high intensity, effectively transitioning the beam characteristics in the focal plane

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of moving object

If the X-ray beam is narrowed by a second opening to form a focused beam, then the beam size is reduced, but the beam intensity is not sufficiently increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam sizeVSAvoidfocused beam intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical aperture system (second opening) is replaced with an optical focusing system using a side-by-side reflecting mirror. This substitution eliminates the need for physical beam narrowing that causes intensity loss, as the optical system naturally focuses the beam to a small spot while maintaining intensity through reflective optics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the optical parameters by using a multilayer film mirror with specific layer structures and a side-by-side reflecting mirror with optimized curvature radii. These parameter changes enable the system to achieve both small beam size and high intensity by optimizing the reflective surfaces for maximum efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of moving object

If a polycapillary is used to obtain a point-like X-ray beam, then the beam focus is improved, but the divergence angle increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam focusVSAvoiddivergence angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the polycapillary (a complex, expensive component with inherent divergence issues) with a simpler reflective mirror system. The mirrors provide precise focusing control without the divergence problems inherent in polycapillary structures, achieving better focus quality with a more straightforward optical design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The side-by-side reflecting mirror uses concave surfaces with specific curvature radii to achieve precise focusing. The curved reflective surfaces naturally converge the X-ray beams to a focal point without introducing the divergence effects that occur with polycapillary geometries

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 configuration allows for the realization of a focused X-ray beam with a small beam size and low divergence angle, enhancing the resolution and intensity of X-ray diffraction measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a multilayer film mirror for reflecting the X-ray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a cross section of a reflecting surface of the multilayer film mirror has a parabolic shape and a focus of the parabolic shape is located at the line X-ray source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParabolic focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 3

a side-by-side reflecting mirror including two concave mirrors joined together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

cross sections of reflecting surfaces of the two concave mirrors of the side-by-side reflecting mirror each have a parabolic shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParabolic focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP3534679B1X-ray generator and x-ray analysis device
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 RIGAKU CORP
  • EP3534679B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3534679B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3534679B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An X-ray generator includes: a line X-ray source (11a); a multilayer film mirror (12a); and a side-by-side reflecting mirror (13a) including two concave mirrors joined together so as to share a join line. A cross section of a reflecting surface of the multilayer film mirror has a parabolic shape, and a focus of the parabolic shape is located at the line X-ray source. Cross sections of reflecting surfaces of the two concave mirrors of the side-by-side reflecting mirror each have a parabolic shape, and each of focuses of the parabolic shapes is located on a side opposite to the multilayer film mirror. An extended line of the join line of the side-by-side reflecting mirror passes through the multilayer film mirror and the line X-ray source as viewed in a plan view.