Automated X-ray Optical Device with Diffracting Crystal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray measurement systems face challenges in achieving the desired beam qualities such as collimation, monochromatization, and focal size, as standard X-ray sources do not meet the quality constraints for various types of measurements, and manual adjustment of delicate optical components is risky and inconvenient, especially in controlled environments.
Innovation Solution
An automated X-ray optical device with a crystal containing a channel and multiple internal faces, along with rotatable mounts and mirrors, allows for precise control of beam properties by shifting between diffraction and pass-through configurations, and an exit aperture to select the appropriate beam axis, enabling automated adjustment of beam characteristics without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If standard X-ray sources are used directly, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the beam quality (collimation, monochromatization, focal size) does not meet measurement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical system where a single X-ray source can serve multiple measurement applications by dynamically configuring optical components. The system uses interchangeable optical elements (mirrors, crystals, aperture sets) that can be automatically selected and positioned to provide different beam conditioning modes, allowing one source to replace multiple specialized sources for various measurement types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic configuration of optical components including rotatable mirrors, movable crystals with adjustable orientations, and programmable aperture positioning. These dynamic elements allow real-time adjustment of beam properties (collimation angle, monochromatization, focal size) to match specific measurement requirements, transforming a static simple source into a dynamically adaptable beam conditioning system.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of optical components is used, then the system structure is simple, but the adjustment process is risky and inconvenient in controlled environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated control systems. Motors and actuators are used to rotate mirrors, position crystals, and move apertures based on programmed instructions. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically handle delicate optical components in controlled environments (such as vacuum chambers), thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-alignment and self-positioning capabilities through automated feedback mechanisms. The control system automatically calculates and executes the required positions and orientations of optical components based on the selected measurement mode, enabling the system to adjust itself without human intervention and ensuring consistent, safe operation in controlled environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable optical components are provided, then the system can accommodate different measurement types, but the device complexity and component management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct, modular functional units: mirrors for beam direction, crystals for monochromatization and collimation, and aperture sets for beam shaping. Each segment can be independently controlled and positioned. This segmentation allows the system to provide versatile measurement capabilities while managing complexity through modular design, where each component has a specific function and can be automatically selected and configured.
4Extent of automation
If automated control of optical components is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a unified automated control system. A single controller integrates the coordination of mirror rotation, crystal positioning, aperture selection, and measurement parameter adjustment. This consolidation reduces control system complexity compared to having separate control mechanisms for each component, while achieving high extent of automation that improves ease of operation.
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 safe and precise adjustment of X-ray beam parameters, allowing the same X-ray source to be used for multiple measurement applications without exchanging optical components, ensuring accurate and efficient beam conditioning for different types of X-ray measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a crystal containing a channel, which passes through the crystal and has multiple internal faces... in which the X-ray beam passes through the channel while diffracting from one or more of the internal faces
Implementation Method 2
X-ray mirrors are commercially available to collect and then collimate and/or focus an X-ray beam... at least one X-ray mirror, which is configured to collect X-rays emitted from the source so as to generate and direct the X-ray beam
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray optical device includes a crystal containing a channel, which passes through the crystal and has multiple internal faces. A mount is configured to hold the crystal in a fixed location relative to a source of an X-ray beam and to shift the crystal automatically between two predefined dispositions: a first disposition in which the X-ray beam passes through the channel while diffracting from one or more of the internal faces, and a second disposition in which the X-ray beam passes through the channel without diffraction by the crystal.