Ionizing Radiation Detector Anode Gap Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photon counting X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging systems suffer from imperfect count rate stability and a high number of Non-Conforming Pixels due to wide gaps between anode electrodes, which affect the accuracy of photon count signals and increase effective input noise.
Innovation Solution
The use of ionizing radiation detectors with anode electrodes having gaps less than 15 μm in width, which reduces capacitive coupling and improves count rate stability, resulting in a lower number of Non-Conforming Pixels by minimizing charge accumulation on the semiconductor material plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wide gaps between anode electrodes are used, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but count rate stability deteriorates and Non-Conforming Pixels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by reducing the gap width between adjacent anode electrodes from conventional widths (typically >15 μm) to less than 15 μm. This dimensional parameter change directly improves count rate stability and reduces Non-Conforming Pixels while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through precise fabrication processes.
2Device complexity
If wide gaps between anode electrodes are used, then device structure is simpler, but measurement precision deteriorates due to increased effective input noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the gap width parameter between anode electrodes to less than 15 μm, which minimizes charge accumulation on the semiconductor material plate and reduces effective input noise. This parameter change improves photon count signal accuracy while the overall device structure remains relatively simple.
3Reliability
If narrow gaps between anode electrodes are used, then count rate stability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a gap width parameter of less than 15 μm between adjacent anode electrodes, which improves count rate stability. While this requires higher manufacturing precision compared to wider gaps, the specific threshold of 15 μm represents an optimized balance between performance improvement and manufacturability.
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
This configuration enhances count rate stability and reduces the number of Non-Conforming Pixels by at least 25% compared to conventional detectors, improving the overall performance and accuracy of photon counting CT imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
the charge cloud resulting from an X-ray photon impinging on a sensor
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of anodes located on a first side of the semiconductor material plate... and at least one cathode located on a second side of the semiconductor material plate
Data Source
AI summary
An ionizing radiation detector, such as a photon counting computed tomography detector, includes a semiconductor material plate, a plurality of anodes located on a first side of the semiconductor material plate, where the gaps (i.e., streets) between adjacent anodes are less than 15 μm in width, and at least one cathode located on a second side of the semiconductor material plate. Ionizing radiation detectors according to various embodiments may have improved count rate stability (CRS) characteristics and a reduced number of Non-Conforming Pixels (NCPs) relative to conventional detectors.