X-ray Beam Generation Unit for Compact Small-Angle Scattering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods fail to simultaneously obtain anisotropic images and sufficiently remove beam divergence in a compact apparatus configuration for X-ray small-angle scattering measurements.

Innovation Solution

A beam generation unit with a slit and two channel-cut monochromator crystals arranged in a (+, −, −, +) configuration, along with mirrors to reshape and focus X-ray beams, allowing for high-resolution anisotropic image capture and compact apparatus design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If three slits are arranged to form parallel X-ray beams, then beam parallelism is improved, but apparatus size increases due to required distance between slits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam parallelismVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical three-slit system with an optical system using channel-cut monochromator crystals. Instead of using physical slits spaced apart to remove parasitic scattering, the invention uses crystal diffraction properties to achieve beam parallelism and parasitic scattering removal in a more compact configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the arrangement configuration from conventional (+, −, +, −) to a specific (+, −, −, +) arrangement of channel-cut monochromator crystals. This parameter change in the crystal arrangement enables effective parasitic scattering removal while maintaining compact apparatus dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If channel-cut monochromator crystals are arranged in conventional (+, −, +, −) configuration, then beam monochromatization is improved, but spatial divergence tail is not sufficiently removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam monochromatizationVSAvoidspatial divergence tail

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric arrangement of channel-cut monochromator crystals with the specific sequence (+, −, −, +), which is different from the conventional symmetric (+, −, +, −) arrangement. This asymmetric configuration optimizes both monochromatization and spatial divergence removal by exploiting the directional properties of crystal diffraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the natural divergence of X-ray beams, which is normally a harmful effect, into a beneficial feature by using the channel-cut monochromator crystal arrangement to selectively diffract and remove the divergent tail, thereby improving beam quality without requiring additional collimation elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Measurement precision

If Bonse-Hart method is used to remove scattered beams, then measurement resolution is improved, but anisotropic patterns cannot be simultaneously obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement resolutionVSAvoidanisotropic pattern detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a beam generation system that serves multiple functions: it removes parasitic scattering, achieves beam parallelism, and enables both high-resolution measurements and simultaneous anisotropic pattern detection. The channel-cut monochromator crystal arrangement provides universal applicability for different measurement modes without requiring separate optical paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 high signal-to-background ratio anisotropic image acquisition with reduced apparatus size, high beam intensity, and precise angular resolution, facilitating compact and efficient X-ray small-angle scattering measurements.

Implementation Method 1

two channel-cut monochromator crystals that are arranged in arrangement of (+, −, −, +), remove parasitic scattering of parallel beams reshaped by the slit, and generate parallel and micro X-ray beams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: Bragg Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

a slit that is provided on an X-ray optical path and reshapes an X-ray beam shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10145808B2Beam generation unit and X-ray small-angle scattering apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 RIGAKU CORP

AI summary

A micro beam generation unit capable of simultaneously capturing anisotropic images in a high signal-to-background ratio with a compact configuration and an X-ray small-angle scattering apparatus are provided. A micro beam generation unit 110 generates X-rays having a micro spot size, with which a sample is irradiated, in order to detect diffracted X-rays by a one-dimensional detector or a two-dimensional detector. The micro beam generation unit 110 includes a slit 115 that is provided on an X-ray optical path and reshapes X-rays into parallel beams, and two channel-cut monochromator crystals 117 and 118 that are arranged in arrangement of (+, −, −, +) and remove parasitic scattering of parallel beams reshaped by the slit. Accordingly, it is possible to simultaneously obtain anisotropic images in a high signal-to-background ratio with a compact configuration.