X-ray Shielding Member Positioning for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional X-ray diffraction apparatuses face challenges in preventing scattered X-rays from reaching the detector, especially when using one-dimensional or two-dimensional detectors, leading to increased background noise and reduced measurement precision due to the inability to secure space for receiving and anti-scatter slits, and complex structures required for adjustable shielding mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray diffraction apparatus with a plate-like X-ray shielding member installed on a counter arm, adjustable in position to efficiently shield scattered X-rays by being positioned on a high angle side of diffracted X-rays, with its lower edge optimally placed near the sample surface in low-angle scans and farther away in high-angle scans, using mathematical formulas to determine the precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If receiving and anti-scatter slits are arranged in front of the X-ray detector, then scattered X-rays are shielded effectively, but no space can be secured when using one-dimensional or two-dimensional detectors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattered X-rays incident to detectorVSAvoiddetector arrangement space
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention moves the shielding function from the detector front space to the X-ray source side by arranging the X-ray shielding member between the X-ray source and the sample. This dimensional relocation allows scattered X-ray shielding without occupying detector front space, enabling compatibility with one-dimensional and two-dimensional detectors.

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

2Device complexity

If the gap between sample and X-ray shielding member is kept fixed, then the structure is simple, but the gap may become narrower or wider than the incident X-ray width causing shielding of incident X-rays or passage of scattered X-rays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding mechanism structureVSAvoiddiffracted X-ray detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the X-ray shielding member movable relative to the sample, allowing dynamic adjustment of the gap width. This enables the gap to be optimized for different incident angles and X-ray widths, preventing both over-shielding and under-shielding conditions while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the X-ray shielding member is positioned close to the sample surface in low-angle scans, then scattered X-rays are effectively shielded, but the shielding member may interfere with sample stage operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescattered X-ray shielding effectivenessVSAvoidsample stage flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the X-ray shielding member movable and adjustable in position relative to the sample stage. This allows the shielding member to be positioned close to the sample surface when needed for effective scattered X-ray shielding, and moved away when sample stage operations require clearance, eliminating interference while maintaining shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively reduces background noise in low-angle scans while allowing proper detection of diffracted X-rays in high-angle scans, simplifying the apparatus structure and enabling flexible sample positioning without interfering with the sample stage.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray shielding member (60) installed on a counter arm (52)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

When a Bragg's diffraction condition is satisfied between the X-rays irradiated to a sample and crystal lattice planes of the sample, X-rays are diffracted from the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3285065B1X-ray diffraction apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 RIGAKU CORP
  • EP3285065B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3285065B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3285065B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A plate-like X-ray shielding member (60) is installed on a counter arm (52), and rotated together with an X-ray detector (40). The X-ray shielding member (60) is arranged on a high angle side with respect to diffracted X-rays which are diffracted from a sample (S) and incident to the X-ray detector (40). A boundary of the high angle side through which diffracted X-rays are transmissible is regulated by a distal end (60a) of the X-ray shielding member (60), and the X-ray shielding member (60) is arranged so that a surface portion (60b) thereof is inclined with respect to a straight line connecting the center of an X-ray irradiation region on the surface of the sample (S) and the distal end (60a), whereby scattered X-rays which can be incident to the X-ray detector (40) from the high angle side of diffracted X-rays are shielded by the surface portion (60b).