Adaptive Radiation Detector Electrode Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation detectors, such as those used in Spectral CT scanners, become sub-optimal when operation parameters change, leading to inefficiencies in detecting radiation due to varying count rates and spectral compositions.
Innovation Solution
A radiation detector with a converter element and an array of electrodes, where the electrodes are connected in a flexible pattern to optimize signal processing, allowing for adaptive readout unit assignment based on radiation characteristics, and a control unit adjusts the connection pattern according to the radiation source's operation parameters to maintain optimal sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an array of single anodes is provided to reduce the effective pixel size and cope with high count rates, then the count rate handling capability is improved, but the detector function becomes sub-optimal when operation parameters change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection circuit that can reconfigure the coupling between first electrodes and readout units based on detected radiation characteristics. The connection pattern is adjusted in real-time to match the spectral composition and count rates of incident radiation, transforming a static detector design into an adaptive system that optimizes performance for varying operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the connection parameters (which specific first electrodes are coupled to which readout units) based on the detected radiation spectrum and count rate. By modifying the electrical connection topology according to operational parameters, the detector maintains optimal sensitivity and count rate handling across different imaging conditions
2Device complexity
If a fixed connection pattern is used between electrodes and readout units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detector cannot optimally adapt to varying radiation characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The connection circuit incorporates switching elements that enable dynamic reconfiguration of electrode-readout unit connections. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying radiation characteristics without permanently increasing hardware complexity, as the same physical connections can be reconfigured software-controlled
Solution Approach 2:
The connection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can couple first electrodes to different readout units depending on the radiation conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single connection circuit design to handle various spectral compositions and count rates, reducing the need for multiple specialized circuits
3Device complexity
If the number of readout units is limited relative to the number of first electrodes, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but signal loss may occur without flexible electrode coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically assigns multiple first electrodes to shared readout units based on the spatial and spectral characteristics of incident radiation. This dynamic sharing strategy ensures that the limited readout units can handle signals from all electrodes without permanent signal loss, as the assignment is optimized for current operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple first electrodes into common readout units through the connection circuit, allowing several electrodes to share readout resources. This merging approach reduces the total number of readout units needed while maintaining signal detection completeness through intelligent signal routing and combination
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The detector maintains optimal sensitivity and adaptability to changing radiation conditions, preventing signal loss and ensuring effective detection of radiation across varying spectral compositions and count rates.
Implementation Method 1
A converter element for converting incident radiation into electrical signals. The converter element may be made from any suitable direct conversion material that transforms incident radiation to be detected into electrical signals, particularly into a pulse of electrical charges
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a radiation detector (100) comprising a converter element (113) with an array (120) of first electrodes (121) for sampling electrical signals generated by incident radiation (X). With a connection circuit (130), at least two first electrodes (121) can selectively be coupled to a common readout unit (141) according to a given connection pattern (CP1). The effective pixel size along the path of incident radiation (X) can thus be adapted to the distribution of electrical signals, which is usually determined by the spectral composition of the incident radiation.