Magnetic apparatus

A magnetic apparatus includes a first conductive feature. The first conductive feature conducts a current. The first conductive feature directs an electron having an energy ranging from 50 to 250 MeV in response to a magnetic field generated by the current. The first conductive feature includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is integrated with the second leg. The second leg and the first leg define a first space, wherein the electron penetrates the first space and is redirected in the first space.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a magnetic apparatus, and more particularly, to a magnetic apparatus for directing an electron with very high energy to treat a patient.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

Among radiation therapies, the method of cancer treatment using linear energy transfer (LET) radiation, including neutron or baryon beams, enables minimization of the exposure of healthy tissues to radiation intended for cancer cells, and focuses the therapeutic amount of radiation to cancerous cells only. Thus, radiation therapy that uses high-LET radiation is recognized as being far more effective than radiation therapy that uses low-LET radiation. High-LET radiation includes electrons, alpha-ray, neutron-ray, and baryon-ray.

This Discussion of the Background section is provided for background information only. The statements in this Discussion of the Background are not an admission that the subject matter disclosed in this section constitutes prior art to the present disclosure, and no part of this section may be used as an admission that any part of this application, including this Discussion of the Background section, constitutes prior art to the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a magnetic apparatus. The magnetic apparatus includes a first conductive feature. The first conductive feature conducts a current. The first conductive feature directs an electron having an energy ranging from 50 to 250 MeV as the electron passes through a magnetic field generated by the current. The first conductive feature includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is integrated with the second leg in the first conductive feature while separate from the second leg. The second leg and the first leg define a first space, wherein the electron penetrates the first space and is directed in the first space.

In some embodiments, the current is in a half-sinewave form.

In some embodiments, the first leg is parallel to the second leg.

In some embodiments, the first leg is not parallel to the second leg.

In some embodiments, the magnetic apparatus further includes a first frame configured to connect the first leg to the second leg, wherein the first frame has a second space therein, which is connected to the first space, and the electron penetrates the second space.

In some embodiments, the first conductive feature includes a coil.

In some embodiments, the coil includes a single-turn coil.

In some embodiments, the first leg has a length of 74 cm, which is substantially equal to a distance in the first space at which the electron is directed.

In some embodiments, the first conductive feature is rotatable. The magnetic apparatus further includes a rotation feature configured to rotate the first conductive feature either clockwise or counterclockwise.

In some embodiments, the rotation feature includes a gantry.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a magnetic apparatus. The magnetic apparatus includes a first conductive feature and a second conductive feature. The first conductive feature is configured to generate a first magnetic field. The first conductive feature includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is integrated with the second leg in the first conductive feature while separate from the second leg. The second conductive feature is configured to generate a second magnetic field. A direction of the second magnetic field is different from that of the first magnetic field. The first conductive feature and the second conductive feature, electrically isolated from each other, are configured to direct an electron having an energy ranging from 50 to 250 MeV. The second conductive feature includes a third leg and a fourth leg. The first leg, the second leg, the third leg and the fourth leg together define a first space, wherein the electron penetrates the first space and is directed in the first space. The third leg is integrated with the fourth leg in the second conductive feature while separate from the fourth leg.

In some embodiments, the first leg is parallel to the second leg, and the third leg is parallel to the fourth leg.

In some embodiments, the first leg is not parallel to the second leg, and the third leg is not parallel to the fourth leg.

In some embodiments, the first conductive feature further includes a first frame having a second space therein, wherein the first frame is configured to connect the first leg to the second leg. The second conductive feature includes a second frame having a third space therein, wherein the second frame is opposed to the first frame, and the second frame is configured to connect the third leg to the fourth leg, wherein the first space, the second space and the third space are connected to each other.

In some embodiments, each of the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature is configured to conduct a current. The first conductive feature generates the first magnetic field in response to the current, and the second conductive feature generates the second magnetic field in response to the current.

In some embodiments, the current is in a half-sinewave form.

In some embodiments, each of the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature includes a coil.

In some embodiments, the coil includes a single-turn coil.

In some embodiments, each of the first leg and the third leg has a length of 74 cm, which is substantially equal to a distance in the first space at which the electron is directed.

In some embodiments, a plane where the first leg and the second leg are arranged is perpendicular to a plane where the third leg and the fourth leg are arranged.

In some embodiments, a plane where the first leg and the second leg are arranged is not perpendicular to a plane where the third leg and the fourth leg are arranged.

In some embodiments, the first conductive feature further includes a first frame having a second space therein, wherein the first frame is configured to connect the first leg to the second leg. The second conductive feature includes a second frame having a third space therein, wherein the second frame overlaps the first frame, and wherein the second frame is configured to connect the third leg to the fourth leg, wherein the first space, the second space and the third space are connected to each other.

In some embodiments, the first conductive feature further includes a first frame having a second space therein. The first frame is configured to connect the first leg to the second leg. The second conductive feature includes a second frame having a third space therein, and is configured to connect the third leg to the fourth leg. The second space and the third space are at the same side of the first space.

In some embodiments, the first leg and the second leg are alternately connected to a first node and a second node of a current source.

In some embodiments, a rotation feature configured to rotate the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature either clockwise or counterclockwise

In some related magnetic apparatus, a current with a pulse form (or called a pulsating direct current) is generated and provided to a conductive feature (such as a coil), such that the conductive feature generates a magnetic field to direct an electron having an energy ranging from 50 to 250 MeV. To direct such electron, such that the electron is redirected from its original direction by a relatively large angle, a relatively high magnitude of pulsating current is required. However, pulsating current generally has a relatively low magnitude due to the difficulty in generating high-magnitude pulsating currents. Such resulting low-magnitude pulsating current is only able to redirect the electron by a relatively small angle. To achieve a distance of deviation in an x-axis, a relatively long leg of the conductive feature is required. Consequently, the conductive feature would need to be relatively large.

In contrast, in the present disclosure, a current flowing into a conductive feature has a half-sinewave form and a peak magnitude of the half sinewave is greater than or equal to about, for example, 8000 A (Ampere), wherein a magnitude of 8000 A is a relatively high magnitude. Such resulting high-magnitude current is able to redirect the electron by a relatively large angle. To achieve the same distance of deviation in an x-axis as previously discussed a relatively short leg of the conductive feature is required. Therefore, the size of the conductive feature is relatively small.

Moreover, in the present disclosure, due to the structural arrangement of a first conductive feature and a second conductive feature, an electron can be directed by the simultaneous influence of a first magnetic field and a second magnetic field. Therefore, it is not necessary to have a relatively larger width in an x-axis, for example larger than a width of a first space defined by the first conductive structure and the second conductive structure, to allow sufficient space in an x-axis for the electron to be redirected the desired distance in a z-axis. Accordingly, the width in an x-axis can remain relatively small, allowing the size of a housing containing the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature to also be relatively small. Moreover, in an embodiment, each of the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature can conduct a current with a half-sinewave form, wherein a peak magnitude of the half sinewave is greater than or equal to about, for example, 8000 A. As mentioned above, the length of each of the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature are both relatively short. In this case, the length and the width are both relatively short, and therefore the size of a housing containing the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature is relatively small.

In some related magnetic apparatuses, a first conductive feature and a second conductive feature are separate from each other, and arranged in order in a y-axis. The first conductive feature functions to direct an electron in an x-axis, and the second conductive feature functions to direct the electron in a z-axis. In operation, although the electron leaves from a space defined by the first conductive feature, and enters a space defined by the second conductive feature and therefore the electron is no longer redirected by an magnetic field generated by the first conductive feature, the electron, in the space defined by the second conductive feature, still moves in an x-axis. Because a position in an x-axis is out of a housing, the electron may strike a wall, in an x-axis, of the housing. To ensure proper direction of the electron, therefore, it would require increasing a size of the housing. For example, the housing is enlarged to another housing. Therefore, a size of a housing containing the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature separate from each other need to be relatively large.

In contrast, in the present disclosure, since the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature together define a space in which the electron is redirected, the size of the housing containing the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature is relatively small.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, or examples, of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings are now described using specific language. It shall be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Any alteration or modification to the described embodiments, and any further applications of principles described in this document, are to be considered as normally occurring to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure relates. Reference numerals may be repeated throughout the embodiments, but this does not necessarily require that feature(s) of one embodiment apply to another embodiment, even if they share the same reference numeral.

It shall be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled with” another element, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present.

It shall be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers or sections should not be limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are merely used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present inventive concept.

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an action of an electron18with a very high energy in a magnetic apparatus10in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 1, the magnetic apparatus10for treating a patient includes a first conductive feature11including a first leg12extending along a direction such as a y-axis, a second leg14extending along a direction such as a y-axis and a first body16.

The first conductive feature11functions to conduct a current. In an embodiment, the current is in a half-sinewave form. The current is provided by a current source (not shown), which may be integrated in or external to the magnetic apparatus10. The current source may determine a flowing direction of the current, allowing the current to generate different directions of magnetic field. In further detail, the current is able to flow from the first leg12through the first body16to the second leg14as indicated inFIG. 1by a solid-line arrow. The direction of a magnetic force is denoted by M1. Alternatively, the current is able to flow from the second leg14through the first body16to the first leg12as indicated inFIG. 1by a dashed-line arrow. The direction of magnetic force is denoted by M2.

The first conductive feature11functions to direct the electron18having an energy ranging from 50 to 250 MeV (electron volt) as the electron passes through a magnetic field generated by the current, as illustrated inFIG. 2. In an embodiment, the first conductive feature11includes a coil. In another embodiment, the first conductive feature11includes a single-turn coil.

The first leg12and the second leg14are integrated together, and define a first space S1therebetween. In further detail, the first leg12is integrated with the second leg14in the first conductive feature11(i.e., each of the first leg12and the second leg14is a part of the first conductive feature11). The electron18penetrates the first space S1and is redirected as the electron18passes through the first space S1. In an embodiment, the first leg12is parallel to the second leg14. In another embodiment, the first leg12is not parallel to the second leg14. Moreover, in practice, a distance in an x-axis between the first leg12and the second leg14is extremely short, which means that the first leg12is very close to the second leg14.

The first body16functions to connect the first leg12to the second leg14. The first body16has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side. In an embodiment, the first leg12is disposed at the first side, and the second leg14is disposed at the second side. The first body16has a second space S2therein. The second space S2is connected to the first space S1. The electron18penetrates the second space S2, wherein the electron18may not be redirected in the second space S2.

In an embodiment, a cross-sectional shape of the first body16includes a frame. Alternatively, other cross-sectional shapes of the first body16may comprise circles, ellipses, ellipsoids, ovoids, regular polygons (e.g., equilateral triangles, regular pentagons, regular hexagons, stars, etc., including other regular polygons of any order of rotational symmetry greater than three), irregular polygons (e.g., isosceles triangles, scalene triangles, rectangles, trapezoids, rhomboids, etc., including other irregular polygons having any number of sides greater than three), or combinations thereof. Any cross-sectional shape may generally be represented by superimpositions or discrete combinations of the aforementioned shapes. Accordingly, representative embodiments of the first body16disclosed herein are not limited to any particular cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 2is a top view of the magnetic apparatus10ofFIG. 1in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 2, because the peak of the current is higher than or equal to about (i.e., at least), for example, 8000 A, the first conductive feature11is able to redirect the electron18, such that the electron18is redirected from its original direction by an angle θ1, which is a relatively large angle. The angle θ1may be, for example, 6 degrees. As a result, in a limited distance in a y-axis, the electron18is still able to move a desired distance D in an x-axis. It should be noted that the straight line shown inFIG. 2does not refer to a path trace along which the electron18moves. Accordingly, it is not necessary to increase a length L1in a y-axis of the first leg12(and the second leg14), and therefore the length L1in a y-axis of the first leg12is relatively short. The length L1can be deemed as a length in a y-axis of the first conductive feature11. Therefore, the size of the first conductive feature11is relatively small. In an embodiment, the first leg12and the second leg14each has a length of about 74 cm, which is relatively short. The length of about 74 cm is substantially equal to a distance, in the first space S1, at which the electron18is redirected. Moreover, the length of about 74 cm reflects a fact that the first conductive feature11conducts a current with a half-sinewave form and a peak magnitude of the half sinewave is equal to or greater than, for example, 8000 A. In the present embodiment, as depicted inFIG. 2, since a magnetic field is the magnetic field M1, the electron18is forced to move toward the second leg14. In contrast, if a magnetic field is the magnetic field M2, the electron is forced to move toward the first leg12.

FIG. 3is a schematic diagram showing measurement results of the current flowing into the first conductive feature11ofFIG. 1in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 3, a horizontal axis represents a time and a vertical axis represents a magnitude (in amperes) of the current flowing into the first conductive feature11. As illustrated inFIG. 3, a peak magnitude of the half sinewave is greater than or equal to about, for example, 8000 A. A timing for emitting the electron18can be determined. In further detail, when the magnitude of the current substantially achieves the peak magnitude of about 8000 A (for example, during a period of time R inFIG. 3), the electron18is emitted into the first space S1defined by the first conductive feature11. As such, for the electron18, the current is deemed as a pulse (i.e., deemed as a pulse of a pulsating direct current). The pulse of about 8000 A is relatively high. The electron18can therefore be redirected by a relatively large degree, about 6 degrees.

FIG. 4is a schematic diagram of a magnetic apparatus40in a related art. Referring toFIG. 4, the magnetic apparatus40includes a conductive feature42including a leg44. A pulsating direct current is generated and provided to the conductive feature42, such that the conductive feature42generates a magnetic field to redirect an electron18. To redirect an electron having an energy ranging from 50 to 250 MeV, such that the electron is redirected from its original direction by a relatively large angle, a relatively high magnitude of pulsating direct current is required. However, pulsating direct current generally has a relatively low magnitude due to the difficulty of generating a pulsating direct current having relatively high magnitude. Such resulting low-magnitude pulsating current is only able to redirect the electron18from its original direction by a relatively small angle θ2, which is less than the angle θ1. To achieve the same distance D in an x-axis, a relatively large length L2, greater than the length L1, of the leg44of the conductive feature42is required. Consequently, the size of the conductive feature42is relatively large. As a result, the size of a housing containing the conductive feature42is relatively large.

In contrast, in the present disclosure, as mentioned above, a current flowing into the first conductive feature11has a half-sinewave form and a peak magnitude of the half sinewave is greater than or equal to about, for example, 8000 A (Ampere), wherein a magnitude of 8000 A is a relatively high magnitude. Such resulting high-magnitude current is able to redirect the electron18by a relatively large angle θ1. To achieve the same distance D of deviation in an x-axis as previously discussed a relatively short leg of the conductive feature11is provided. Therefore, the size of the conductive feature11is relatively small. As a result, the size of a casing containing the conductive feature11is relatively small.

FIG. 5is a schematic diagram of a magnetic apparatus50including the magnetic structure11ofFIG. 1in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 5, the magnetic apparatus50is similar to the magnetic apparatus10described and illustrated with reference toFIG. 1except that, for example, the magnetic apparatus50includes a rotation feature52and the first conductive feature11is rotatable.

The rotation feature52functions to rotate the first conductive feature11either clockwise CW or counterclockwise CCW in an x-z plane. In an embodiment, the rotation feature52includes a gantry.

In operation, when the first conductive feature11rotates, the direction of the magnetic field with respect to the electron18accordingly rotates. For example, when the first conductive feature11rotates clockwise, the magnetic field M1is rotated to the magnetic field M1′. With variation in direction of a magnetic field, a direction of a magnetic force varies. Therefore, the electron18can be directed in the first conductive feature11in all directions (360 degrees) without increasing size of the first conductive feature11.

FIG. 6is a schematic diagram of another magnetic apparatus60in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 6, the magnetic apparatus60includes a first conductive feature60A and a second conductive feature60B. Function and structure of each of the first conductive feature60A and a second conductive feature60B are the same as those of the first conductive feature11. As a result, some detailed descriptions are omitted herein. The first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B are substantially at the same position in a y-axis.

The first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B, electrically isolated from each other, function to redirect an electron having an energy ranging from 50 to 250 MeV as the electron passes through magnetic fields generated by the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B. The first conductive feature60A functions to generate a first magnetic field in a z-axis. For example, the first magnetic field is the first magnetic field M1, or the first magnetic field M2. The second conductive feature60B functions to generate a second magnetic field in an x-axis. For example, the second magnetic field is a second magnetic field M3, or a second magnetic field M4.

A first leg62A and a second leg64A of the first conductive feature62and a third leg62B and a fourth leg64B of the second conductive feature64together define a first space S1. The third leg62B is integrated with the fourth leg64B in the second conductive feature64while separate from the fourth leg64B. That is, both the third leg62B and the fourth leg64B are a part of the second conductive feature64. The electron18penetrates the first space S1and is redirected as it passes through the first space S1. In an embodiment, the first leg62A is parallel to the second leg64A, and the third leg62B is parallel to the fourth leg64B. In another embodiment, the first leg62A is not parallel to the second leg62B, and the third leg64A is not parallel to the fourth leg64B.

A first frame66A of the first conductive feature60A includes a second space S2therein. The first frame66A functions to connect the first leg62A to the second leg64A. Similarly, a second frame66B of the second conductive feature60B has a third space S3therein. The second frame66B is opposed to the first frame66A, and functions to connect the third leg62B to the fourth leg64B. The first space S1, the second space S2and the third space S3are connected to each other.

In an embodiment, a current direction of each of the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B can be varied. For example, the first leg62A and the second leg64A are alternately connected to a first node and a second node of a current source (not shown). In this way, a magnetic field can be accordingly varied. With variation in direction of a magnetic field, a direction of a magnetic force varies. Therefore, the electron18can be directed in the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B in all directions (360 degrees) without increasing size of the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B. Moreover, design of the magnetic apparatus60including a first conductive feature60A and a second conductive feature60B is relatively simple.

FIG. 7is a top view of the magnetic apparatus60ofFIG. 6in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For clarity of illustration, the fourth leg64B and the second frame66B of the second conductive feature60B are not shown inFIG. 7. Due to the structural arrangement of the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B, the electron18can be directed by the simultaneous influence of the first magnetic field (such as the first magnetic field M1) and the second magnetic field (such as the second magnetic field M3). That is, when the electron18is redirected a desired distance in an x-axis, the electron18can also be redirected a desired distance in a z-axis simultaneously. Therefore, it is not necessary to have a relatively larger width in an x-axis, for example larger than the width W1of the first space S1, to allow sufficient space in an x-axis for the electron18to be redirected the desired distance in a z-axis, which will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 8. Accordingly, the width W1in an x-axis can remain relatively small, allowing the size of a housing containing the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B to also be relatively small.

In an embodiment, each of the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B functions to conduct a current with a half-sinewave form. A peak magnitude of the half sinewave is higher than or equal to, for example, 8000 A. As mentioned above, the length L1of each of the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B is relatively short. The length L1of each of the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B can be deemed as a length of a housing70. In this case, both the length L1and the width W1are relatively short, and therefore the size of the housing70containing the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B is relatively small.

FIG. 8is a schematic diagram of a magnetic apparatus80in a related art. Referring toFIG. 8, the magnetic apparatus80includes a first conductive feature80A and a second conductive feature80B. Structure and function of the first conductive feature80A and the second conductive feature80B are the same as those of the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B ofFIG. 7except that a structural arrangement between the first conductive feature80A and the second conductive feature80B. In further detail, the first conductive feature80A and the second conductive feature80B are separate from each other, and arranged in order in a y-axis.

It is assumed that the first conductive feature80A and the second conductive feature80B are accommodated in a case82. The case82has the same width W1as the case70. Moreover, it is assumed that the electron18is redirected to a desired position in a z-axis when the electron18achieves a position P1in an x-axis.

In operation, although the electron18leaves from a space defined by the first conductive feature80A, and enters a space defined by the second conductive feature80B and therefore the electron18is no longer redirected by an magnetic field generated by the first conductive feature80A, the electron18, in the space defined by the second conductive feature80B, still moves in an x-axis. Because the position P1in an x-axis is out of the housing82, the electron18may strike a wall, in an x-axis, of the housing82at a position P0. To ensure proper direction of the electron, therefore, it would require increasing a size of the housing82. For example, the housing82is enlarged to a housing84within which the position P1is. Therefore, a size of the housing84containing the first conductive feature80A and the second conductive feature80B separate from each other need to be relatively large.

In contrast, in the present disclosure, as mentioned in the description ofFIG. 7, since the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B together define a space in which the electron18is redirected, the size of the housing70containing the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B is relatively small.

FIG. 9is a diagram showing the magnetic apparatus60ofFIG. 6in an x-z plane in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 9, a plane where the first leg62A and the second leg64A are arranged and a plane where the third leg62B and the fourth leg64B are arranged has an angle θ3therebetween. In an embodiment, a plane where the first leg62A and the second leg64A are arranged is perpendicular to the plane where the third leg62B and the fourth leg64B are arranged. That is, the angle θ3is 90 degrees. Such arrangement minimizes the size of a magnetic structure (a housing) including the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B. In another embodiment, a plane where the first leg62A and the second leg64A are arranged is not perpendicular to the plane where the third leg62B and the fourth leg64B are arranged.

FIG. 10is a schematic diagram of a magnetic apparatus100in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 10, the magnetic apparatus100includes a device105of ferrite materials, and a chamber102, inside the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B, wherein the electron18penetrates the chamber102. The device105functions to uniform a magnetic field in the chamber102.

FIG. 11is a schematic diagram of another magnetic apparatus110in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 11, the magnetic apparatus110is similar to the magnetic apparatus60described and illustrated with reference toFIG. 6, except the magnetic apparatus110features a different structural arrangement of the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B. The second space S2defined by the first frame66A and the third space S3defined by the second frame66B are at the same side of the first space S1defined by the first leg62A, the second leg64A, the third leg66A and the fourth leg66B.

FIG. 12is a schematic diagram of another magnetic apparatus120in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 12, the magnetic apparatus120is similar to the magnetic apparatus120described and illustrated with reference toFIG. 6except that, the magnetic apparatus120includes a rotation feature122. The rotation feature122functions to rotate the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B. In this way, a magnetic field can be accordingly varied. With variation in direction of a magnetic field, a direction of a magnetic force varies. Therefore, the electron18can be directed in the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B in all directions (360 degrees) without increasing size of the first conductive feature60A and the second conductive feature60B. Moreover, design of the magnetic apparatus60including a first conductive feature60A and a second conductive feature60B is relatively simple. In an embodiment, the rotation feature122is mechanically connected to the first conductive feature60A and a second conductive feature60B.

In some related magnetic apparatus, a current with a pulse form (or called a pulsating direct current) is generated and provided to a conductive feature (such as a coil), such that the conductive feature generates a magnetic field to direct an electron having an energy ranging from 50 to 250 MeV. To direct such electron, such that the electron is redirected from its original direction by a relatively large angle, a relatively high magnitude of pulsating current is required. However, pulsating current generally has a relatively low magnitude due to the difficulty in generating high-magnitude pulsating currents. Such resulting low-magnitude pulsating current is only able to redirect the electron by a relatively small angle. To achieve a distance of deviation in an x-axis, a relatively long leg of the conductive feature is required. Consequently, the conductive feature would need to be relatively large.

In contrast, in the present disclosure, a current flowing into a conductive feature has a half-sinewave form and a peak magnitude of the half sinewave is greater than or equal to about, for example, 8000 A (Ampere), wherein a magnitude of 8000 A is a relatively high magnitude. Such resulting high-magnitude current is able to redirect the electron by a relatively large angle. To achieve the same distance of deviation in an x-axis as previously discussed a relatively short leg of the conductive feature is required. Therefore, the size of the conductive feature is relatively small.

Moreover, in the present disclosure, due to the structural arrangement of a first conductive feature and a second conductive feature, an electron can be directed by the simultaneous influence of a first magnetic field and a second magnetic field. Therefore, it is not necessary to have a relatively larger width in an x-axis, for example larger than a width of a first space defined by the first conductive structure and the second conductive structure, to allow sufficient space in an x-axis for the electron to be redirected the desired distance in a z-axis. Accordingly, the width in an x-axis can remain relatively small, allowing the size of a housing containing the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature to also be relatively small. Moreover, in an embodiment, each of the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature can conduct a current with a half-sinewave form, wherein a peak magnitude of the half sinewave is greater than or equal to about, for example, 8000 A. As mentioned above, the length of each of the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature are both relatively short. In this case, the length and the width are both relatively short, and therefore the size of a housing containing the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature is relatively small.

In some related magnetic apparatuses, a first conductive feature and a second conductive feature are separate from each other, and arranged in order in a y-axis. The first conductive feature functions to direct an electron in an x-axis, and the second conductive feature functions to direct the electron in a z-axis. In operation, although the electron leaves from a space defined by the first conductive feature, and enters a space defined by the second conductive feature and therefore the electron is no longer redirected by an magnetic field generated by the first conductive feature, the electron, in the space defined by the second conductive feature, still moves in an x-axis. Because a position in an x-axis is out of a housing, the electron may strike a wall, in an x-axis, of the housing. To ensure proper direction of the electron, therefore, it would require increasing a size of the housing. For example, the housing is enlarged to another housing. Therefore, a size of a housing containing the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature separate from each other need to be relatively large.

In contrast, in the present disclosure, since the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature together define a space in which the electron is redirected, the size of the housing containing the first conductive feature and the second conductive feature is relatively small.

Some embodiments have one or a combination of the following features or advantages. In some embodiments, a magnetic apparatus is provided. The magnetic apparatus includes a first conductive feature. The first conductive feature conducts a current with a half-sinewave form. A peak magnitude of the half sinewave is greater than, for example, 8000 A. The first conductive feature directs an electron having an energy ranging from 50 to 250 MeV in response to a magnetic field generated by the current. The first conductive feature includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is integrated with the second leg. The second leg and the first leg define a first space, wherein the electron penetrates the first space and is redirected in the first space.

In some embodiments, a magnetic apparatus is provided. The magnetic apparatus includes a first conductive feature and a second conductive feature. The first conductive feature is configured to generate a first magnetic field. The first conductive feature includes a first leg and a second leg. The second conductive feature is configured to generate a second magnetic field. A direction of the second magnetic field is different from that of the first magnetic field. The first conductive feature and the second conductive feature, electrically isolated from each other, are configured to direct an electron having an energy ranging from 50 to 250 MeV. The second conductive feature includes a third leg and a fourth leg. The first leg, the second leg, the third leg and the fourth leg together define a first space, wherein the electron penetrates the first space and is redirected in the first space.