X-Ray Examination With Evacuable Chamber for Wide-Angle Scattering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray examination devices have limited measurable scattering angle ranges, are bulky, and require complex sealing elements, which can distort measurements for certain sample types and limit the ability to measure different sample types reliably.

Innovation Solution

A compact X-ray examination device with a pivoting radiation generation and detection system, an evacuable sample chamber, and a vacuum-tight transmission region allows for wide-angle measurements by pivoting the sample chamber synchronously with the detection system, using high-precision bearings and elastic connections to maintain vacuum integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a combined X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy apparatus with an environmentally controllable chamber is used, then sensitivity is improved and elements with low atomic numbers can be measured, but the device becomes highly complex with many sealing elements and the measurable scattering angle range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a radiation generation system outside the vacuum chamber, an evacuable sample chamber, and a detection system. This segmentation allows the vacuum chamber to be optimized for sensitivity while keeping the overall device structure simple and modular.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation generation system is extracted from the vacuum chamber and positioned outside. This eliminates the need for complex sealing elements around the radiation source while maintaining vacuum integrity in the sample chamber, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If a measuring chamber with a bearing block for receiving and holding both goniometer arms in a concentric and rotatable manner is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the device becomes very bulky and both the detector and the sample rotate during measurement which can distort results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sample chamber is extracted from the rotating detection system and kept stationary. Only the detection system rotates on the second goniometer arm while the sample remains fixed in the evacuable sample chamber. This eliminates sample rotation and measurement distortion while maintaining a simplified structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The goniometer system is segmented into two independent rotational systems: the first goniometer arm for the radiation generation system and the second goniometer arm for the detection system. This segmentation allows independent control of radiation angle and detection angle, enabling wide-angle measurements without mechanical interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the sample chamber is made compact with few parts, then the device becomes more manageable, but the measurable scattering angle range may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidmeasurable scattering angle range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is mounted on a pivoting second goniometer arm that can rotate to different angles. This dynamic positioning allows the detection system to access a wide range of scattering angles while the sample chamber remains compact and stationary, maintaining both simplicity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement capability is extended by adding angular dimension through the pivoting detection system. Instead of expanding the physical size of the sample chamber, the solution uses angular movement of the detection system to achieve wide-angle measurements, maintaining compactness while increasing versatility.

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

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 reliable measurement of various sample types with improved sensitivity and accuracy over a large scattering angle range without mechanical distortion, reducing absorption of secondary radiation and maintaining high precision angles of incidence and reflection.

Implementation Method 1

Bremsstrahlung can be generated due to the deceleration of the electrons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBremsstrahlung:

Implementation Method 2

Electrons from higher atomic shells fall back into the lower-energy shells, emitting characteristic X-ray radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharacteristic X-ray radiation:

Implementation Method 3

a vacuum-tight transmission region that is permeable to the primary radiation, allowing the primary radiation to penetrate the sample chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray penetration: X-Ray

Implementation Method 4

By irradiating the sample with the primary radiation, for example, X-ray fluorescence can be excited, so that the secondary radiation at least partially comprises fluorescence radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray fluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 5

The sample chamber can be evacuated, which can reduce the number of air molecules in the detection beam path and thus reduce absorption of the secondary radiation by air molecules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP4095523B1X-ray examination apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 ANTON PAAR GMBH
  • EP4095523B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4095523B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4095523B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A device (1) for examining a sample (10) using X-rays is provided, comprising: a radiation generation system (2) for generating primary radiation (3); a first goniometer arm (4) on which the radiation generation system (2) is mounted and which is pivotable about a goniometer axis (5); a detection system (6) designed for detecting secondary radiation (7) emanating from the sample; a second goniometer arm (8) on which the detection system (6) is mounted and which is pivotable about the goniometer axis (5);an evacuable sample chamber (9) within which the sample (10) can be arranged in a sample area (11) encompassing a part of the goniometer axis, wherein the sample chamber (9) is bounded by a sample chamber wall (12) which has a permeable and vacuum-tight transmission area (13) for the primary radiation (3) in order to allow the primary radiation (3) to penetrate into the sample chamber (9) and to strike the sample area (11) at different angles of incidence (θ_in); wherein the sample chamber (9) has a first opening (15) in a detection beam path (14) at which the sample chamber (9) and the detection system (6) can be connected in a vacuum-tight manner, so that the detection beam path (14) is evacuable.