Composite Scintillation Detector for X-ray Backscattering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional backscattering detector devices are insufficient for effective detection of X-rays due to limitations in light collection and conversion, which hampers the performance of security inspection systems.

Innovation Solution

A backscattering scintillation detector device is designed with a reflective layer, light shielding layer, and a photoelectric coupling medium, utilizing an X-ray sensitizing screen and an organic scintillation crystal doped with a wave-drifting material to enhance detection of both high-energy and low-energy X-rays, improving light signal transmission and conversion to electrical signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional single-type detector (scintillation or gas detector) is used, then the device structure is simple, but the detection performance for X-ray, light collection and light conversion is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection performanceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detector types (scintillation detector and gas detector) into a single composite detector device. The scintillation detector converts X-rays to light signals while the gas detector provides additional detection capability, creating a multi-functional system that improves overall detection performance while maintaining manageable structural complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures including the scintillation crystal coupled with the gas detector, creating a hybrid detection system that leverages the complementary strengths of different materials and detection mechanisms to achieve superior X-ray detection performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the scintillation crystal detector uses standard materials, then the manufacturing cost is low, but it cannot effectively detect both high-energy and low-energy X-rays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting specific scintillation crystal materials with particular properties optimized for detecting different X-ray energy ranges. The crystal composition and structure are tailored to enhance sensitivity to both high-energy and low-energy X-rays, achieving broad spectral detection capability through material selection rather than complex multi-component systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If no light signal enhancement structures are added, then the device structure is simple, but the light collection and light conversion efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight collection efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary component between the scintillation crystal and the photoelectric converter. This light guide efficiently transports light signals from the crystal to the converter, improving light collection efficiency and signal conversion while adding minimal structural complexity through a straightforward optical coupling design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device effectively detects both high-energy and low-energy X-rays, increasing detection efficiency and measurement accuracy while simplifying the structure and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

an X-ray sensitizing screen (1), which is disposed forward the scintillation crystal detector (2) and is configured to convert the X-ray into a light signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

a scintillation crystal detector (2), which is configured to convert the X-ray into a light signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 3

the organic scintillation crystal of polystyrene is doped with a wave-drifting material for wave-drifting of a high-energy photon generated by the organic scintillation crystal of the sensitizing screen to a wave band where the photoelectric multiplier is sensitive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWave-drifting:

Implementation Method 4

a photoelectric multiplier (4), which is disposed backward the scintillation crystal detector (2) and is configured to collect the light signal from the scintillation crystal detector (2) and convert it to an electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 5

a reflective layer, which is disposed forward the X-ray sensitizing screen and is configured to reflect a light signal from the X-ray sensitizing screen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2889643B1Multiple technologies composite scintillation detector device
Publication Date: 2016.10.05 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP2889643B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2889643B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention discloses a backscattering scintillation detector. The scintillation detector comprises a scintillation crystal detector; a X-ray sensitizing screen, which is disposed forward the scintillation crystal detector and where a backscattered X-ray from an object to be detected is processed and then at least part of the processed X-ray is incident to the scintillation crystal detector; and a photoelectric multiplier, which is disposed backward the scintillation crystal detector and is configured to collect a light signal from the scintillation crystal detector and convert it to an electrical signal. Through the above preferable embodiment, a X-ray sensitizing screen, a scintillation crystal detector, and light guiding and wave-drifting technologies are combined together to obtain a novel scintillation detector, which can improve detection of X-ray, transmission of light signal and conversion of light signal to electrical signal, thereby simplifying structure of the apparatus and reducing cost, while greatly increasing detection efficiency and measurement accuracy of the apparatus.