US4122342A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
X-ray and gamma ray waveguide, cavity and method
Assignee: University of Utah Research Institute
•
Filing: 1977-04-13
•
Granted: 1978-10-24
•
Expires: 1997-04-13
Abstract
Abstract An X-ray and Gamma ray waveguide, cavity, and method for directing electromagnetic radiation of the X-ray, Gamma ray, and extreme ultraviolet wavelengths. A hollow fiber is used as the waveguide and is manufactured from a material having an index of refraction less than unity for these wavelengths. The internal diameter of the hollow fiber waveguide and the radius of curvature for the waveguide are selectively predetermined in light of the wavelength of the transmitted radiation to minimize losses. The electromagnetic radiation is obtained from any suitable source and upon introduction into the waveguide is transmitted along a curvilinear path. The waveguide may be formed as a closed loop to create a cavity or may be used to direct the electromagnetic radiation to a utilization site.
Inventors
- 👤 Victor Vali
- 👤 Reuben S. Krogstad
- 👤 H. Robert Willard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:43
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/02; G02B6/032; A; A61; A61M; A61M25/00; A61M25/01; A61M25/0105; A61M25/0108; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/06; A61N5/0601; A61N5/10; A61N5/1001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
40 words
A waveguide for electromagnetic radiation of the X-ray and Gamma ray wavelength ranges comprising a waveguide having a hollow core, the material of construction adjacent the hollow core having an index of refraction less than unity for said electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
40 words
A waveguide for electromagnetic radiation of the X-ray and Gamma ray wavelength ranges comprising a waveguide having a hollow core, the material of construction adjacent the hollow core having an index of refraction less than unity for said electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The waveguide defined in claim 1 wherein the hollow core is evacuated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
The waveguide defined in claim 1 wherein the waveguide is bent along a curvilinear path wherein the radius of curvature is defined by the formula R = 2d/α 2 wherein R is the radius of curvature, d is the diameter of the hollow core of the waveguide and α is the angle of total reflection of the waveguide material as determined by the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation and the waveguide material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The waveguide defined in claim 3 wherein the waveguide is formed into a closed curvilinear path to thereby provide a cavity.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for conducting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the X-ray and Gamma ray wavelength range from a source to a second position comprising the steps of: obtaining a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation, the waveguide comprising a hollow fiber with the material of the fiber adjacent the hollow having an index of refraction less than unity, the waveguide having a first end and a second end; directing the electromagnetic radiation from the source axially into the first end of the hollow waveguide; and placing the second end of the waveguide in the second position thereby directing the electromagnetic radiation from the source to the second position through the hollow waveguide.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for conducting electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the X-ray and Gamma ray wavelength range from a source to a second position comprising the steps of: obtaining a waveguide for the electromagnetic radiation, the waveguide comprising a hollow fiber with the material of the fiber adjacent the hollow having an index of refraction less than unity, the waveguide having a first end and a second end; directing the electromagnetic radiation from the source axially into the first end of the hollow waveguide; and placing the second end of the waveguide in the second position thereby directing the electromagnetic radiation from the source to the second position through the hollow waveguide.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method defined in claim 5 wherein the placing step comprises orienting the waveguide along a curvilinear path.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method defined in claim 6 wherein the orienting step comprises limiting the arc of curvature of the waveguide to a radius of curvature defined by the formula: R = 2d/α.sup.2 wherein R is the radius of curvature, d is the diameter of the hollow core of the waveguide and α is the angle of total reflection as determined by the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation and the material of the waveguide adjacent the hollow core.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
100 words
The method defined in claim 5 wherein the placing step further comprises forming a complete loop with the waveguide thereby creating a cavity for the amplification of the electromagnetic radiation by stimulated emission of radiation, the forming step comprising limiting the radius, R, of the arc of curvature of the complete loop to a value greater than R = 2d/α 2 wherein d is the diameter of the hollow core of the waveguide and α is the angle of total reflection as determined by the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation and the material of the waveguide adjacent the hollow core.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method defined in claim 5 wherein the placing step further comprises inserting the second end into an object to be irradiated by the electromagnetic radiation and preselecting the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation according to the material and mass of the object to be irradiated.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method defined in claim 9 wherein the inserting step comprises enclosing a portion of the second end in a hollow needle and piercing a body with the needle to place the second end adjacent tissue to be irradiated by the electromagnetic radiation.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for the amplification of electromagnetic radiation of the X-ray and Gamma ray wavelength by stimulated emission of radiation comprising: a cavity comprising a waveguide formed into a closed loop; and a gain medium electromagnetically coupled to the cavity, the gain medium operable to emit electromagnetic radiation of the X-ray and Gamma ray wavelength.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
55 words
An apparatus for the amplification of electromagnetic radiation of the X-ray and Gamma ray wavelength by stimulated emission of radiation comprising: a cavity comprising a waveguide formed into a closed loop; and a gain medium electromagnetically coupled to the cavity, the gain medium operable to emit electromagnetic radiation of the X-ray and Gamma ray wavelength.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-10-23 | 1982-04-24 | 1982-10-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-10-23 | 1986-04-24 | 1986-10-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-10-23 | 1990-04-24 | 1990-10-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |