Dual-energy detection device, dual-energy detection system and dual-energy detection method

Abstract

Dual-energy detection device (110;430), comprising: a first pixel detector arrangement (120) which, when the dual-energy detection device (110; 430) is used with a radiation source (410), is arranged proximal to the radiation source (410), wherein the first pixel detector arrangement (120) is configured to detect radiation source photons that have relatively low energy; and a second pixel detector arrangement (170) distal to the radiation source (410), wherein the second pixel detector arrangement (170) is configured to detect the radiation source photons, which have relatively high energy, that have passed through the first pixel detector arrangement (120); wherein the first pixel detector arrangement (120) comprises a plurality of rows of first pixel detectors, each first pixel detector of the first pixel detectors comprising a first sensitive medium (220), a first photosensitive device (150), a first plane of incidence (130) for the incidence of the radiation source (410) and a first window (140) coupled to the first photosensitive device (150), wherein the first plane of incidence (130) faces the radiation source (410); the second pixel detector arrangement (170) comprises a single row of second pixel detectors, each second pixel detector of the second pixel detectors comprising a second sensitive medium (320), a second photosensitive device (1100), a second plane of incidence (190) for the incidence of the radiation source (410) and a second window (180) coupled to the second photosensitive device (1100); and a pixel area of ​​every second pixel detector of the second pixel detectors is a multiple of a pixel area of ​​one of the first pixel detectors, wherein the first pixel detector arrangement (120) and the second pixel detector arrangement (170) are configured to detect X-ray photons at the megavolt level, characterized in that a mass thickness of the first pixel detector is selected to be 4 mm, and that a mass thickness of the second pixel detector is selected to be 30 mm.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of radiation detection technologies and in particular to a dual-energy detection device, a dual-energy detection system and a dual-energy detection method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a megavolt-level X-ray detection system, improving the ability to identify the effective atomic number of a substance and improving the spatial identification capability are two important aspects to develop.

[0003] A detection device according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed in JP 2010-276 409 A. Further detection devices are disclosed in US 4 963 746 A and DE 10 2011 089 595 A1. Specific dimensions for the thickness of detectors of this type are known from US 2007 / 0 114 426 A1.

[0004] The task is to create a new dual-energy detection device, a new dual-energy detection system, and a new dual-energy detection method that improves upon the two aspects mentioned above.

[0005] The information disclosed above in the background section is provided solely to enhance understanding of the background to the present disclosure. Therefore, the above information may contain information that is not state of the art known to the average person skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[0006] The problem is solved by creating a dual-energy detection device according to claim 1, a dual-energy detection system according to claim 6 and a dual-energy detection method according to claim 11.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a dual-energy detection device, a dual-energy detection system and a dual-energy detection method that can enhance the ability to identify an object and improve spatial identification indicators.

[0008] Further properties, characteristics and advantages of the present revelation will emerge from the following detailed description or will be partly learned from the practice of the present revelation.

[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, a dual-energy detection device is created. The device comprises: a detector arrangement with first pixels proximal to a radiation source, wherein the detector arrangement is configured to detect radiation source photons possessing relatively low energy; and a detector arrangement with second pixels distal to the radiation source, wherein the detector arrangement is configured to detect the radiation source photons possessing relatively high energy that have passed through the detector arrangement with first pixels.The first-pixel detector arrangement comprises a plurality of rows of first-pixel detectors, wherein the first-pixel detector includes a first sensitive medium, a first photosensitive device, a first plane of incidence for the radiation source, and a first window coupled to the first photosensitive device, the first plane of incidence facing the radiation source; wherein the second-pixel detector arrangement comprises a single row of second-pixel detectors, wherein the second-pixel detector includes a second sensitive medium, a second photosensitive device, a second plane of incidence for the radiation source, and a second window coupled to the second photosensitive device; and wherein each of the second-pixel detectors has the same pixel area as a corresponding plurality of first-pixel detectors thereof.

[0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first sensitive medium is a first scintillator; each of the first pixel detectors contains the first scintillator having a rectangular shape and a first reflective layer with which the first scintillator is coated, the first reflective layer exposing the first window; and wherein one side of each of the first pixel detectors, opposite the first window, is the first plane of incidence.

[0011] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second sensitive medium is a second scintillator; and each of the second pixel detectors contains the second scintillator having a rectangular shape and a second reflective layer with which the second scintillator is coated, the second reflective layer exposing the second window.

[0012] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detector with first pixels further comprises a first data acquisition board.

[0013] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second-pixel detector further comprises a second data acquisition board.

[0014] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the radiation source comprises an X-ray source and an isotope source.

[0015] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mass thickness of the detector with first pixels is determined on the basis of the type of radiation source and / or the type of the first sensitive medium and / or the size of the pixel.

[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mass thickness of the second-pixel detector is selected such that the second-pixel detector arrangement can effectively detect the radiation source photons, which have relatively high energy, and wherein the mass thickness of the second-pixel detector is greater than the mass thickness of the first-pixel detector.

[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a dual-energy detection system is provided. The system comprises: a radiation source located on one side of an object to be detected; and a dual-energy detection device located on the other side of the object to be detected. The dual-energy detection device comprises: a detector array with first pixels proximal to the radiation source, wherein the detector array is configured to detect X-ray photons, which have relatively low energy; and a detector array with second pixels distal to the radiation source, wherein the detector array is configured to detect the radiation source photons, which have relatively high energy, that have passed through the detector array with first pixels.The first-pixel detector arrangement comprises a plurality of rows of first-pixel detectors, wherein the first-pixel detector includes a first photosensitive medium, a first photosensitive device, a first plane of incidence for the radiation source, and a first window coupled to the first photosensitive device, the first plane of incidence facing the radiation source; the second-pixel detector arrangement comprises a single row of second-pixel detectors, wherein the second-pixel detector includes a second sensitive medium, a second photosensitive device, a second plane of incidence for the radiation source, and a second window coupled to the second photosensitive device, and wherein each of the second-pixel detectors has the same pixel area as a plurality of first-pixel detectors thereof.

[0018] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the detector with first pixels further comprises a first data acquisition board.

[0019] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second-pixel detector further comprises a second data acquisition board.

[0020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system further comprises a processing device, wherein the processing device is connected to the first data acquisition board or to the second data acquisition board, reads signals from the detector arrangement with first pixels and the detector arrangement with second pixels, and, based on the output signals, acquires information about the effective atomic number of the object to be detected.

[0021] In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the radiation source comprises an X-ray source and an isotope source.

[0022] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a dual-energy detection method is created. The method comprises: arranging a detector array with first pixels proximal to a radiation source, wherein the detector array is configured to detect radiation source atoms having relatively low energy, wherein the detector array with first pixels comprises a plurality of rows of detectors with first pixels, wherein the detector with first pixels comprises a first scintillator, a first photosensitive device, a first plane of incidence for the radiation source, and a first window coupled to the first photosensitive device, wherein the first plane of incidence faces the radiation source;Arranging a detector arrangement with second pixels distal to the radiation source, wherein the detector arrangement is configured to detect the radiation source photons, which possess relatively high energy, that have passed through the detector arrangement with first pixels, wherein the detector arrangement with second pixels comprises a single row of detectors with second pixels, wherein the detector arrangement with second pixels comprises a second scintillator, a second photosensitive device, a second plane of incidence for the radiation source, and a second window coupled to the second photosensitive device, wherein each of the detectors with second pixels has the same area as a corresponding plurality of detectors with first pixels thereof; and illuminating the detector arrangement with first pixels from the first plane of incidence using the radiation source.

[0023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: reading output signals of the detector arrangement with first pixels and the detector arrangement with second pixels; and acquiring information about the effective atomic number of an object to be detected based on the output signals.

[0024] With the dual-energy detection device, the dual-energy detection system, and the dual-energy detection method in accordance with the present disclosure, the ability to identify an object is enhanced, while spatial identification indicators are improved.

[0025] It can be seen that the above general description and the following detailed description are only illustrative and do not limit the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings provide a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, so that the above and further features and advantages of the present disclosure become more apparent. Fig. Figure 1 schematically represents a structural diagram of a dual-energy detection device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 schematically represents a structural representation of an arrangement of a plurality of rows of pixel detectors in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3 schematically represents a structural diagram of an arrangement of a single row of detectors with second pixels in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 4 schematically represents a structural diagram of a dual-energy detection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 5 schematically represents a flow chart of a dual-energy detection method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following section provides a more comprehensive description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in a multitude of ways and should not be understood as limited to the implementations described here. Instead, these exemplary embodiments are given to illustrate the present disclosure more thoroughly and completely and to fully convey the concepts of the exemplary embodiments to the person skilled in the art. In the drawings, identical reference numerals denote identical or similar structures or elements. Therefore, no further repeated descriptions of these are given.

[0028] Furthermore, the described properties, structures, or features can be suitably integrated into one or more embodiments. Further details are given in the following description to provide a sufficient understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art know that the technical solutions of the present invention can be implemented without one or more of the specific details or can be implemented using other methods, components, materials, devices, steps, or the like. In other circumstances, commonly known structures, methods, devices, practices, materials, or operations are not presented or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] The block diagrams shown in the drawings are merely functional entities, but not necessarily physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented using software, or these functional entities, or a part of them, can be implemented in one or more software-enhanced modules, or these functional entities can be implemented in different networks and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 schematically represents a structural diagram of a dual-energy detection device 110 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the device 110 comprises: a detector arrangement 120 with first pixels proximal to the radiation source, configured to detect radiation source photons with relatively low energy; a detector arrangement 170 with second pixels distal to the radiation source, configured to detect the radiation source photons with relatively high energy that have passed through the detector arrangement 120 with first pixels.The detector arrangement 120 with first pixels comprises a plurality of rows of detectors with first pixels, the detector with first pixels comprising a first sensitive medium, a first photosensitive device 150, a first incidence plane 130 for the incidence of the radiation source and a first window 140 coupled to the first photosensitive device 150, the first incidence plane 130 facing the radiation source; the detector arrangement 170 with second pixels comprises a single row of detectors with second pixels, the detector with second pixels comprising a second sensitive medium, a second photosensitive device 1100, a second incidence plane 190 for the incidence of the radiation source and a second window 180 coupled to the second photosensitive device 1100; each of the detectors with second pixels having the same pixel area as a corresponding plurality of detectors with first pixels therein.

[0032] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the first-pixel detector is a small-pixel detector or a low-energy detector, and the second-pixel detector is a large-pixel detector or a high-energy detector, where the terms "large pixel," "small pixel," "high energy," and "low energy" are defined relatively. For example, the small pixel can be defined by comparing the transverse size (i.e., the size in a direction perpendicular to the direction of incidence of the beam) of the first-pixel detector and a secondary electron range, where the first detector can be considered the small-pixel detector if the transverse size and the secondary electron range are substantially equivalent. The small pixel can also be determined by comparing the transverse size of the first-pixel detector and the length of the first sensitive medium (e.g., a scintillator).If the transverse size of the first-pixel detector is one numerical level smaller than the length of the first sensitive medium—for example, if the length of the first sensitive medium is 30 mm and the transverse size of the first-pixel detector is less than 3 mm—then the first-pixel detector can be considered the small-pixel detector. The large-pixel detector can likewise be determined by comparing the transverse size of the second-pixel detector with the secondary electron range, or by comparing the transverse size of the second-pixel detector with the length of the second sensitive medium. For example, the second-pixel detector can be considered the large-pixel detector if its transverse size and the length of the second sensitive medium are on the same numerical level, or if its transverse size is more than 20% of the length of the second sensitive medium.Nevertheless, the small pixel detector and the large pixel detector can be chosen in accordance with the application scenario, which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0033] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, for example, depending on the specific system settings, the pixel detector that mainly detects X-ray photons with less than 2 megavolts is referred to as a low-energy detector, and the pixel detector that mainly detects X-ray photons with more than 2 megavolts is referred to as a high-energy detector. However, the low-energy detector and the high-energy detector can be selected according to the application scenario, which is not limited in this disclosure.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 is a sectional view of a dual-energy detection device along an incidence direction of an X-ray beam in accordance with the present disclosure. A low-energy detector array with small pixels is located proximal to an X-ray source, the X-ray beam is perpendicular to a sensitivity plane (i.e., to the first incidence plane) and strikes the detection device, the first photosensitive device is arranged on the first window directly facing the first incidence plane of each low-energy detector channel with small pixels, and signals output by the first photosensitive device are sent to the first data acquisition board.A high-energy detector array with large pixels is located on the back side of a low-energy detector array with small pixels, and a second photosensitive device is coupled to a surface of the high-energy detector array with large pixels, with signals output by the second photosensitive device being sent to the second data acquisition board. In the drawings, one high-energy detector with large pixels corresponds to 2 × 4 low-energy detectors with small pixels located on the front side and having the same pixel area.

[0035] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the first sensitive medium is a first scintillator; each of the first pixel detectors contains the first scintillator having a rectangular shape and a first reflective layer with which the first scintillator is coated, the first reflective layer exposing the first window; and wherein one side of each of the first pixel detectors facing the first window is the first plane of incidence.

[0036] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the second sensitive medium is a second scintillator; and each of the second pixel detectors contains the second scintillator, which has a rectangular shape, and a second reflective layer with which the second scintillator is coated, the second reflective layer exposing the second window. One side of each of the second pixel detectors facing the second window is the second plane of incidence.

[0037] The core component of a radiation detection system in the current field of radiation detection is the detector array, which directly determines the overall system's performance. Generally, a radiation detection system requires hundreds to tens of thousands of detection units (where, in radiation imaging, the detection units are pixels), each detection unit having a sensitive surface area ranging from 1 mm to several tens of millimeters. Currently, the scintillator detector is the primary directional detector in radiation imaging, with a scintillator detector containing a plurality of scintillation units (i.e., the first scintillator and the second scintillator). For manufacturing convenience, multiple scintillator units are generally mounted in such a way that they form one or more rows for production and assembly.Such a scintillator detector is mainly formed from a scintillator (i.e., the sensitive medium), with the periphery being a reflective layer, and from a photosensitive device.

[0038] Currently, in megavolt-level X-ray detection systems, a dual-energy X-ray beam method is primarily used to implement the measurement of the substance's effective atomic number. This involves alternately generating two sets of X-rays with different energies. However, this method can result in a time difference between the two X-ray beams, meaning a positional deviation relative to the object being detected, thus limiting the accuracy of substance identification. Furthermore, in practical applications, a dual-energy electron accelerator is generally used as the X-ray source. This method places higher demands on the stability of the output energy and radiation intensity, resulting in significant technical complexity.

[0039] Regarding the improvement of the spatial identification indicator in megavolt-level X-ray detection systems, the main method is the use of small-pixel detectors. However, small-pixel detectors in megavolt-level systems are subject to limitations. To ensure the detection speed with respect to small-pixel detectors, an array of multiple rows of small-pixel detectors is generally used. Such an array of multiple rows of small-pixel detectors requires that the light-sensitive device of the scintillator detector be located on the side of the scintillator opposite the side facing the X-ray beam. However, the size (i.e.,The mass thickness of the detector (with the first pixels) of the scintillator along the direction of incidence of the X-ray beam must be greater, and the scintillation light must be reflected multiple times before being collected to ensure sufficient detection efficiency. As a result, the collection efficiency of the scintillation light is reduced, thus affecting the amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio of the output signals and ultimately the penetration indicator. Furthermore, crosstalk between the detectors is increased, impairing the room identification indicator. Additionally, the increased mass thickness of the detectors with small pixels places higher demands on the manufacturing process, causing difficulties during implementation.The “mass thickness” here refers to the product of the average density of the substance along the thickness direction and the thickness of the substance (with the unit g / cm). 2 ).

[0040] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the detector with first pixels further comprises a first data acquisition board 160.

[0041] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the second pixel detector further includes a second data acquisition board 1110.

[0042] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the radiation source includes an X-ray source and an isotope source.

[0043] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the mass thickness of the detector with first pixels is determined based on the type of radiation source and / or the type of the first sensitive medium and / or the size of the pixel.

[0044] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the mass thickness of the second-pixel detector is chosen such that the second-pixel detector arrangement can effectively detect the radiation source photons, which have relatively high energy, and the mass thickness of the second-pixel detector is greater than the mass thickness of the first-pixel detector.

[0045] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the dual-energy detection device can also be applied to a dual-energy X-ray system in which two groups of high-energy and low-energy detectors are used, and the high-energy and low-energy X-rays generate more detailed information about the effective atomic number, which can be used to analyze the object to be detected. This results in an improved substance identification capability.

[0046] The front-mounted detector with small pixels exhibits good spatial identification capability. When the object to be detected is relatively thick, the focus in practice is on penetration, combining signals from the front-mounted low-energy detector with small pixels and those from the rear-mounted high-energy detector with large pixels. This improves the penetration indicator.

[0047] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an optimal solution can be determined based on practical calculations and experimentation of the system with respect to the pixel size, mass thickness (i.e., the size along the direction of incidence of the beam), material, and similar parameters of the small-pixel detector and the large-pixel detector located on the back side. If the mass thickness is too small, it is difficult to ensure that a sufficient number of relatively low-energy X-ray photons can be detected; and if the mass thickness is too large, this can lead to the detection of more high-energy X-ray photons, thereby impairing signal outputs from the large-pixel detector located on the back side. The mass thickness of the small-pixel detector is chosen to be 4 mm, and the mass thickness of the large-pixel detector is chosen to be 30 mm.

[0048] The dual-energy detection device according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of rows of low-energy detectors with small pixels proximal to the radiation source and a single row of high-energy detectors with large pixels distal to the radiation source, which can be applied to an X-ray detection system at the megavolt level and can improve both the substance identification capability and the spatial identification indicator, provides the function of dual-energy substance identification and provides higher spatial resolution, higher detection efficiency and higher sensitivity.

[0049] Fig. Figure 2 schematically represents a structure diagram of an arrangement of a plurality of rows of detectors with first pixels in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] As in Fig. Figure 2 is a sectional view showing an arrangement 210 of a plurality of rows of first-pixel detectors (e.g., small-pixel detectors) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of incidence of the X-rays. A plurality of low-energy small-pixel detectors form a 4 × 16 first-pixel detector arrangement, each first-pixel detector comprising a first sensitive medium 220 formed by a scintillator and a first reflective layer 230 coated with the scintillator. More precisely, the number of small-pixel detectors in the two-dimensional arrangement can be chosen according to the application scenario, which is not limited to the one shown in Figure 2. Fig. The arrangement shown in section 2 is limited.

[0051] Fig. Figure 3 schematically represents a structural diagram of an arrangement of a single row of detectors with second pixels in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] As in Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of an arrangement 310 of a single row of second-pixel detectors (e.g., large-pixel detectors) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of incidence of the X-rays. The high-energy large-pixel detectors on eight channels constitute the second-pixel detector arrangement. Furthermore, each of the high-energy large-pixel detectors is formed by a second sensitive medium 320, which is a scintillator, and by a second reflective layer 330 with which the scintillator is coated.

[0053] The bremsstrahlung X-ray energy spectrum produced by an electron accelerator (which can be a single-energy, dual-energy, or multi-energy electron accelerator) is a continuous energy spectrum, with the energy distribution of the X-ray photons ranging from 0 to the energy of the electron beam. Approximately, the half-value layer is smaller, i.e., the penetration is greater, as the X-ray photon energy increases. With respect to the substance being detected, the proportions of absorbed X-ray photons with different energies vary depending on the effective atomic number of the substance.The small-pixel detector, due to the limitations of its mass thickness, is suitable for placement on the front side and for detecting relatively low-energy X-ray photons, while the high-energy detector, located on the back side, can detect more high-energy X-ray photons. By analyzing the output signals of the two detectors, information about the effective atomic number of the substance to be detected can be obtained. Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, the device exhibits a characteristic energy response difference between high and low energy, resulting in more stable operation; furthermore, high-energy and low-energy signals are generated from the X-ray beam simultaneously without any deviation in time or position.

[0054] Fig. Figure 4 schematically represents a structural diagram of a dual-energy detection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the system includes: a radiation source 410 located on one side of an object 420 to be detected; and a dual-energy detection device 430 located on the other side of the object 420 to be detected.

[0056] The dual-energy detection device 430 comprises: a detector arrangement with first pixels proximal to the radiation source 410, configured to detect radiation source photons having relatively low energy; and a detector arrangement with second pixels distal to the radiation source 410, configured to detect the radiation source photons having relatively high energy that have passed through the detector arrangement with first pixels.

[0057] The first-pixel detector arrangement comprises a plurality of rows of first-pixel detectors, wherein the first-pixel detector includes a first sensitive medium, a first photosensitive device, a first plane of incidence for the radiation source 410, and a first window coupled to the first photosensitive device, the first plane of incidence facing the radiation source 410; the second-pixel detector arrangement comprises a single row of second-pixel detectors, wherein the second-pixel detector includes a second sensitive medium, a second photosensitive device, a second plane of incidence for the radiation source, and a second window coupled to the second photosensitive device; and wherein each of the second-pixel detectors has the same pixel area as a corresponding plurality of first-pixel detectors thereof.

[0058] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the mass thickness of a plurality of rows of small-pixel detectors can be determined based on optimal substance identification efficiency, taking into account factors specific to the system, such as the type of electron accelerator used, the type of sensitive medium, the pixel size, and the like. The plurality of rows of small-pixel detectors are configured to detect X-ray photons, which have relatively low energy.

[0059] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a detector module arc arrangement, formed from the dual-energy detection device 430 and the radiation source (e.g., the X-ray source), is arranged on two sides of the object 420 to be detected. The sensitive plane of each detector faces directly towards the X-ray source 410.

[0060] The module can implement effective atomic number identification in a radiation detection system using a single-energy electron accelerator. Furthermore, the module can improve substance identification capability in a radiation detection system using a dual-energy or multi-energy X-ray beam.

[0061] By combining detectors with small pixels and detectors with large pixels, both room identification and penetration indicator are improved.

[0062] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the mass thickness of the large-pixel detector located on the rear side is sufficient to ensure that the detector detects most of the X-ray photons that have passed through the small-pixel detector array. These X-ray photons possess relatively high energy. Furthermore, the pixel size of a large-pixel detector is the same as the combined pixel size of the corresponding array of small-pixel detectors located directly in front of the large-pixel detector.

[0063] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the detector with first pixels further includes a first data acquisition board.

[0064] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the second-pixel detector further includes a second data acquisition board.

[0065] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes a processing device, wherein the processing device is connected to the first data acquisition board or to the second data acquisition board, reads output signals of the detector arrangement with first pixels and the detector arrangement with second pixels, and acquires information about the effective ordinal number of the object to be detected based on the output signals.

[0066] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the radiation source includes an X-ray source and an isotope source.

[0067] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the system further includes a reading circuit, relevant mechanical elements and similar additional components.

[0068] The system, in accordance with the present disclosure, can simultaneously improve substance identification, spatial identification, and penetration indication. By analyzing the output signals of the low-energy detector array with small pixels located on the front and the high-energy detector array with large pixels located on the rear, which have corresponding positions, information about the effective atomic number of the object to be detected can be obtained. Furthermore, the small-pixel detectors located on the front exhibit good spatial identification capabilities, which, together with the large-pixel detectors located on the rear, helps to improve penetration.

[0069] Fig. Figure 5 schematically represents a flow chart of a dual-energy detection method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, in step S510 a detector arrangement with first pixels is arranged proximal to a radiation source, wherein the detector arrangement is configured to detect radiation source photons having relatively low energy, wherein the detector arrangement with first pixels contains a plurality of rows of detectors with first pixels, wherein the detector with first pixels contains a first scintillator, a first photosensitive device, a first plane of incidence for the radiation source and a first window coupled to the first photosensitive device, wherein the first plane of incidence faces the radiation source.

[0071] In step S520, a second-pixel detector arrangement is arranged distal to the radiation source, wherein the detector arrangement is configured to detect radiation source photons of relatively high energy that have passed through the first-pixel detector arrangement, wherein the second-pixel detector arrangement comprises a single row of second-pixel detectors, wherein the second-pixel detector comprises a second scintillator, a second photosensitive device, a second plane of incidence for the radiation source, and a second window coupled to the second photosensitive device, wherein each of the second-pixel detectors has the same pixel area as a corresponding plurality of first-pixel detectors thereof.

[0072] In step S530, the detector array with first pixels is illuminated using the radiation source from the first incidence plane.

[0073] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: reading output signals from the first-pixel detector arrangement and the second-pixel detector arrangement; and acquiring information about the effective atomic number of an object to be detected based on the output signals.

[0074] Other content in this embodiment can be referred to in the content described in other embodiments, which are therefore not described further here.

[0075] Fig. Figure 5 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a dual-energy detection method in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The method can be implemented, for example, using the dual-energy detection device and the dual-energy detection system as described in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 or Fig. 4 are implemented, which is not limited in the present disclosure. It should be noted that Fig. 5 merely schematically presents, rather than limiting, the steps contained in the process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It can be easily understood that the steps as in Fig. The five steps shown neither specify nor restrict the timing of these steps. Furthermore, it is also easy to understand that these steps can be executed synchronously or asynchronously, for example, in a multitude of modules / procedures / threads.

[0076] Based on the above description of the embodiments, a person skilled in the art will readily understand that the method and corresponding modules can be implemented in accordance with the embodiments of this disclosure by means of software or with partial enhancement by software. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions in accordance with the embodiments of this disclosure can be embodied essentially in the form of a software product. The software product can be stored on a non-volatile storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a USB drive, a portable hard drive, and the like. The software product contains a number of instructions that enable a computer device (e.g., a PC, a server, a mobile terminal, a network device, or the like) to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0077] The person skilled in the art can understand that the accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate the exemplary embodiments only schematically and that the modules or procedures in the drawings are not necessary for implementing the present disclosure, which therefore does not impose any limitation on the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0078] A person skilled in the art understands that the above modules can be arranged in the device in accordance with the description given in the embodiments, or can be subject to corresponding modifications, and can be arranged in one or more devices that differ from those described in the embodiments. The modules in accordance with the above embodiments can be combined into a single module or can be divided into a plurality of sub-modules.

[0079] Above, detailed exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments above. Instead, the present disclosure is intended to encompass various modifications and equivalent uses within the inventive concept and scope of protection of the accompanying claims.

Claims

[1] Dual-energy detection device (110;430) comprising: a first pixel detector arrangement (120) which, when the dual-energy detection device (110; 430) is used with a radiation source (410), is arranged proximal to the radiation source (410), wherein the first pixel detector arrangement (120) is configured to detect radiation source photons that have relatively low energy; and a second pixel detector arrangement (170) distal to the radiation source (410), wherein the second pixel detector arrangement (170) is configured to detect the radiation source photons, which have relatively high energy, that have passed through the first pixel detector arrangement (120); wherein the first pixel detector arrangement (120) comprises a plurality of rows of first pixel detectors, each first pixel detector of the first pixel detectors comprising a first sensitive medium (220), a first photosensitive device (150), a first plane of incidence (130) for the incidence of the radiation source (410) and a first window (140) coupled to the first photosensitive device (150), wherein the first plane of incidence (130) faces the radiation source (410); the second pixel detector arrangement (170) comprises a single row of second pixel detectors, each second pixel detector of the second pixel detectors comprising a second sensitive medium (320), a second photosensitive device (1100), a second plane of incidence (190) for the incidence of the radiation source (410) and a second window (180) coupled to the second photosensitive device (1100); and a pixel area of ​​every second pixel detector of the second pixel detectors is a multiple of a pixel area of ​​one of the first pixel detectors, wherein the first pixel detector arrangement (120) and the second pixel detector arrangement (170) are configured to detect X-ray photons at the megavolt level, characterized by , that the mass thickness of the first pixel detector is chosen to be 4 mm, and that the mass thickness of the second pixel detector is chosen to be 30 mm. [2] Device (110; 430) according to claim 1, wherein the first sensitive medium (220) is a first scintillator; wherein each of the first pixel detectors comprises the first scintillator having a rectangular shape and a first reflective layer (230) with which the first scintillator is coated, wherein the first reflective layer (230) exposes the first window (140); and wherein one side of each of the first pixel detectors, which is opposite the first window (140), is the first plane of incidence (130). [3] Device (110;430) according to claim 1, wherein the second sensitive medium (320) is a second scintillator; and wherein each of the second pixel detectors comprises the second scintillator having a rectangular shape and a second reflective layer (330) with which the second scintillator is coated, wherein the second reflective layer (330) exposes the second window (180). [4] Device (110;430) according to claim 1, wherein the first pixel detector further comprises a first data acquisition board (160). [5] Device (110;430) according to claim 1, wherein the second pixel detector further comprises a second data acquisition board (1110). [6] Dual-energy detection system, which includes: a radiation source (410) located on one side of an object (420) to be detected; and a dual-energy detection device (110;430) located on the other side of the object (420) to be detected; the dual-energy detection device (110;430) comprises: a first pixel detector arrangement (120) proximal to the radiation source (410), wherein the first pixel detector arrangement (120) is configured to detect X-ray photons having relatively low energy; and a second pixel detector arrangement (170) distal to the radiation source (410), wherein the second pixel detector arrangement (170) is configured to detect the radiation source photons, which have relatively high energy, that have passed through the first pixel detector arrangement (120); wherein the first pixel detector arrangement (120) comprises a plurality of rows of first pixel detectors, each first pixel detector of the first pixel detectors comprising a first sensitive medium (220), a first photosensitive device (150), a first plane of incidence (130) for the incidence of the radiation source (410) and a first window (140) coupled to the first photosensitive device (150), wherein the first plane of incidence (130) faces the radiation source (410); wherein the second pixel detector arrangement (170) comprises a single row of second pixel detectors, each second pixel detector of the second pixel detectors comprising a second sensitive medium (320), a second photosensitive device (1100), a second incidence plane (190) for the incidence of the radiation source (410) and a second window (180) coupled to the second photosensitive device (1100), and where a pixel area of ​​every second pixel detector of the second pixel detectors is a multiple of a pixel area of ​​one of the first pixel detectors, and wherein the first pixel detector arrangement (120) and the second pixel detector arrangement (170) are configured to detect X-ray photons at the megavolt level, characterized by , that the mass thickness of the first pixel detector is chosen to be 4 mm, and that the mass thickness of the second pixel detector is chosen to be 30 mm. [7] System according to claim 6, wherein the first pixel detector further comprises a first data acquisition board (160). [8] System according to claim 7, wherein the second pixel detector further comprises a second data acquisition board (1110). [9] System according to claim 8, further comprising a processing device, wherein the processing device is connected to the first data acquisition board (160) or to the second data acquisition board (1110), reads out output signals of the first pixel detector arrangement (120) and the second pixel detector arrangement (170) and, on the basis of the output signals, acquires information about the effective ordinal number of the object (420) to be detected. [10] System according to claim 6, wherein the radiation source (410) comprises an X-ray source and an isotope source. [11] Dual-energy detection method, which includes: Arranging a first pixel detector arrangement (120) proximal to a radiation source (410), wherein the first pixel detector arrangement (120) is configured to detect radiation source photons having relatively low energy, wherein the first pixel detector arrangement (120) comprises a plurality of rows of first pixel detectors, each first pixel detector of the first pixel detectors comprising a first scintillator, a first photosensitive device (150), a first incidence plane (130) for the incidence of the radiation source (410) and a first window (140) coupled to the first photosensitive device (150), wherein the first incidence plane (130) faces the radiation source (410); Arranging a second pixel detector arrangement (170) distal to the radiation source (410), wherein the second pixel detector arrangement (170) is configured to detect the radiation source photons, which have relatively high energy, that have passed through the first pixel detector arrangement (120), wherein the second pixel detector arrangement (170) comprises a single row of second pixel detectors, each second pixel detector of the second pixel detectors comprising a second scintillator, a second photosensitive device (1100), a second incidence plane (190) for the incidence of the radiation source (410), and a second window (180) coupled to the second photosensitive device (1100), wherein a pixel area of ​​each second pixel detector of the second pixel detectors is a multiple of a pixel area of ​​one of the first pixel detectors; and Illumination of the first pixel detector arrangement (120) from the first incidence plane (130) using the radiation source (410), wherein the first pixel detector arrangement (120) and the second pixel detector arrangement (170) are configured to detect X-ray photons at the megavolt level, characterized by , that the mass thickness of the first pixel detector is chosen to be 4 mm, and that the mass thickness of the second pixel detector is chosen to be 30 mm. [12] The method of claim 11, further comprising: Reading output signals from the first pixel detector array (120) and the second pixel detector array (170); and Acquiring information about the effective atomic number of an object to be detected (420) based on the output signals.

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