X-ray Source Electron Beam Convergence for Spatial Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Classical X-ray sources have limitations in achieving high spatial resolution due to hardware constraints, particularly in the arrangement and convergence of electron beams, which restricts the density and precision of X-ray focal spots.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray source with an electron-beam-generator featuring multiple electron-beam sources that converge onto a target, allowing for flexible control of X-ray emission by selectively activating different sources and focusing electron beams in a convergent manner, utilizing carbon nanotube emitters and curved electrode designs to achieve higher spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single electron-beam source is used, then the device structure is simple, but the spatial resolution and density of X-ray focal spots are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electron-beam generator is divided into multiple independent electron-beam sources (at least two), each capable of being selectively activated. This segmentation allows multiple focal spots to be created on the target, thereby improving spatial resolution and enabling denser packing of X-ray emission points without requiring complex mechanical movement systems.
2Quantity of substance
If electron-beam sources are spaced far apart, then each source can be adequately controlled, but the density of focal spots on the target is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movement systems with an electrostatic field-based electron-beam generator. Multiple electron-beam sources are positioned at different locations, and electrostatic fields are used to control and focus the electron beams onto the target. This substitution allows for dense packing of focal spots while maintaining independent control of each electron beam through electrical fields rather than mechanical positioning.
3Speed
If mechanical components are used to move the focal spot, then positioning is achievable, but the switching speed and temporal resolution are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving parts by using an electron-beam generator with multiple stationary electron-beam sources. The focal spot position is changed by selectively activating different electron-beam sources and using electrostatic fields to focus their beams onto different locations on the target. This achieves rapid focal spot switching without the inertia and mechanical complexity of moving components.
4Measurement precision
If the distance between electron-beam sources is reduced to increase focal spot density, then spatial resolution improves, but hardware constraints and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrostatic fields as intermediaries between the electron-beam sources and the target. These electrostatic fields serve as mediators that can focus and position electron beams from multiple sources onto the target with high precision. This intermediary mechanism allows for dense packing of focal spots without requiring the electron-beam sources themselves to be manufactured with extremely tight tolerances, as the electrostatic fields provide the fine positioning control.
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 enables higher spatial resolution and denser packing of X-ray focal spots, overcoming hardware limitations by allowing the focal spot to jump without mechanical movement and achieving closer spacing of target points than the distance between electron-beam sources, enhancing imaging applications such as CT and material analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an electron-beam-generator with at least two electron-beam sources for selectively emitting electron beams that converge towards the target
Implementation Method 2
a target for emitting X-rays upon bombardment with an electron beam
Implementation Method 3
utilizing carbon nanotube emitters and curved electrode designs to achieve higher spatial resolution
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an X-ray source (100) with an electron-beam-generator (120) for generating electron beams (B, B′) that converge towards a target (110). Thus the spatial distribution of X-ray focal spots (T, T′) on the target (110) can be made denser than the distribution of electron sources (121), wherein the latter is usually dictated by hardware limitations. The electron-beam-generator (120) may particularly comprise a curved emitter device (140) with a matrix of CNT based electron emitters (141) and an associated electrode device (130).