US 12,219,689 B1
Positron source and method
Ian Clague, Bristol (GB)
Filed by Ian Clague, Bristol (GB)
Filed on May 8, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/658,209.
Claims priority of application No. 2403097 (GB), filed on Mar. 4, 2024.
Int. Cl. H01J 27/00 (2006.01); H01J 37/06 (2006.01); H05H 1/54 (2006.01)
CPC H05H 1/54 (2013.01) [H01J 37/06 (2013.01); H01J 2237/06391 (2013.01)] 23 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A positron source for generating a positron beam, wherein the positron source includes:
a laser arrangement configured to generate a beam of photons;
a target configured to receive the beam of photons, wherein the target is arranged for the photons of the beam to generate a photon plasma at a surface layer of the target, wherein the surface layer is configured to preferentially absorb electrons from the photon plasma to generate corresponding free positrons; and
an electrode arrangement comprising one or more electrodes that are configured to apply an electric field to the photon plasma to extract the free positrons therefrom and to guide the positrons to form the positron beam;
wherein at least the target and the electrode arrangement are included within a vacuum chamber configured in use to provide a vacuum condition in which the target and the electrode arrangement are arranged to function.