X-ray Apparatus Virtual Source Monochromator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray diffraction methods face challenges with low diffracted X-ray intensity on small specimen spots and low angular resolution, requiring separate apparatuses for parallel and focusing methods, which are impractical for high-resolution and versatile measurements.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray apparatus with a monochromator and selection part to create a virtual source with a narrow energy width, using reflectors to shape the X-ray beam into parallel or focused beams, allowing for high-resolution measurements without changing the monochromator arrangement, and a switching mechanism to easily switch between parallel and focusing methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a focusing method (B-B optical system) is used to concentrate X-ray beam on a small spot, then the angular resolution of X-ray diffraction is improved, but the diffracted X-ray intensity becomes much lower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular resolutionVSAvoiddiffracted X-ray intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the X-ray beam path into distinct functional zones: a monochromator section for wavelength selection and a focusing section for beam concentration. By separating these functions spatially and allowing independent optimization, the system achieves both high angular resolution (through focusing) and sufficient intensity (through monochromatization and beam shaping)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from conventional two-dimensional detector approaches to a three-dimensional optical path design that incorporates longitudinal beam shaping. By adding the dimension of beam path control with reflectors and monochromators, the system simultaneously optimizes resolution and intensity without compromising either parameter

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

2Illumination intensity

If an optical system is designed to achieve a broad irradiation region on a specimen, then sufficient X-ray diffraction intensity is obtained, but the apparatus cannot handle various specimens with different absorption coefficients and crystallization qualities

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray diffraction intensityVSAvoidspecimen adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces dynamic adjustability to the optical system through movable reflectors and adjustable monochromator positions. This allows the beam shape, size, and wavelength to be dynamically optimized for different specimen types, enabling the system to adapt to various absorption coefficients and crystallization qualities while maintaining high diffraction intensity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal optical platform that can perform both parallel beam and focusing methods, as well as accommodate different specimen types. The combination of monochromator and adjustable reflectors provides a multi-functional system that handles diverse specimens (different absorption coefficients and crystallization qualities) while maintaining high intensity through optimized beam paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If separate apparatuses are used for parallel beam method and focusing method, then each method can be optimized independently, but the device complexity and operational convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement optimizationVSAvoidapparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the monochromator system with the focusing optical system into a single integrated apparatus. By combining these previously separate functions into one unified device with shared components and coordinated control, the system maintains the measurement optimization benefits of both methods while reducing overall device complexity and improving operational convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements with high intensity and versatility, addressing the limitations of existing methods by creating a virtual source with a narrow energy width and allowing for efficient switching between beam types.

Implementation Method 1

a monochromator that collects a diverging X-ray beam from an X-ray source while dispersing it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

a selection part installed in a focusing position of the focused X-ray beam, for selecting an X-ray beam having a wavelength in a specific range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 3

one or more reflectors that shape the X-ray beam that has passed through the selection part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9336917B2X-ray apparatus, method of using the same and X-ray irradiation method
Publication Date: 2016.05.10 RIGAKU CORP

AI summary

An X-ray apparatus that creates a virtual source having a narrow energy bandwidth and enables a high-resolution X-ray diffraction measurement; a method of using the same; and an X-ray irradiation method are provided. An X-ray apparatus 100 includes a monochromator 105 that focuses a divergent X-ray beam while dispersing it and a selection part 107 that is installed in a condensing position of the condensed X-ray beam for selecting an X-ray beam having a wavelength in a specific range, allowing it to pass through, and creating a virtual source. With this arrangement, it is possible to create a virtual source having a narrow energy bandwidth at a focal point 110 and by means of the virtual source a high-resolution X-ray diffraction measurement is available. By using the X-ray apparatus 100, it is possible to sufficiently separate an X-ray beam having such an extremely narrow energy bandwidth as, for example, Kα1 ray from Kα2 ray. In addition, it is also possible to cut out part of continuous X-ray beams to create a virtual source.