Deicing of radiation detectors in analytical instruments
US7378664B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2237/182
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In an analytical instrument having a radiation detector, such as an electron microscope with an X-ray detector, a thermoelectric element (such as one or more Peltier junctions) is driven by a cooling power supply to cool the detector and thereby decrease measurement noise. Oil condensates and ice can then form on the detector owing to residual water vapor and vacuum pump oil in the analysis chamber, and these contaminants can interfere with measurement accuracy. To assist in reducing this problem, the thermoelectric element can be powered in the reverse of its cooling mode, thereby heating the detector and evaporating the contaminants. After the detector is cleared of contaminants, it may again be cooled and measurements may resume. Preferably, the thermoelectric element is heated by a power supply separate from the one that provides the cooling power, though it can also be possible to utilize a single power supply to provide both heating and cooling modes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.