Density Profile Measurement Using X-ray Scattering and Detector Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the density profile of plate-shaped bodies are either cumbersome, requiring multiple radiation sources and detectors, or time-consuming due to the need for movable parts, and struggle to achieve high depth resolution without excessively long measurement times.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a single X-ray or γ-ray radiation source with a collimated fan-shaped beam incident at an angle, combined with a narrow rectangular slot and an array of detector elements, allows simultaneous measurement of scattered radiation from various depths, enabling precise determination of the density profile without movable parts and reducing measurement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple radiation sources and detectors are used to obtain complete density profile, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple detector elements arranged in an array, where each element detects scattered radiation from a specific depth range. This segmentation allows the complete density profile to be obtained simultaneously with a single radiation source, resolving the contradiction between measurement completeness and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a movable detector is used to scan through depths, then measurement completeness is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is segmented into multiple elements that simultaneously detect radiation from different depth ranges. This eliminates the need for sequential scanning with a movable detector, achieving complete density profile measurement in a single static configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement completeness and measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a one-dimensional sequential scan (single detector moving through depths) to a two-dimensional simultaneous detection (array of detectors at fixed positions). By adding the spatial dimension of the detector array, the system captures the entire depth profile at once, resolving the time-completeness contradiction.
3Productivity
If plate is moved vertically during measurement, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the plate through the radiation beam (traditional approach), the solution inverts the approach by using a stationary plate with a stationary detector array that simultaneously detects radiation from all depths. This inversion eliminates the trade-off between speed and accuracy associated with plate movement.
4Measurement precision
If high depth resolution is achieved without slot, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to collimators
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extracts the depth-resolution function from the complex collimator system and implements it through a simple slot structure combined with a segmented detector array. The slot geometry and detector element positions are designed to provide the desired depth resolution without requiring complicated collimators, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
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 approach provides a fast, precise, and simple method for obtaining the entire density profile, with improved depth resolution and reduced measurement time, while maintaining accuracy and eliminating the need for complex collimators or plate movement.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source, preferably an X-ray or a γ-ray radiation source
Implementation Method 2
the radiation of which is directed towards the plate-shaped body and scattered therefrom, the radiation scattered by the plate material from a specific depth of the plate-shaped body being taken as a measurement of the density at the respective depth
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing a density profile of a plate-shaped body by means of an X-ray radiation source (1), the radiation of which is directed towards the plate-shaped body (5) and scattered therefrom, the radiation scattered by the plate material from a specific depth of the plate-shaped body being taken as a measurement of the density at the respective depth. The method is characterised in that the radiation scattered by the plate material at different depths is observed through a narrow slot (6), which is placed substantially perpendicular to the radiation direction, utilizing that there is an unambiguous relation between the scattering angle and depth, said scattered radiation being registered by means of an array of closely abutting detector elements for determining the density profile. An advantage of this method is that it is fast and does not require movable parts. Another advantage is that the complete depth profile is measured at the same time, particularly that the top side and the bottom side of the plate-shaped material are identified at the same time, whereby measuring series may be corrected correctly irrespective of the movements of the plate between sub measurements.