Detector Array With Multi-Line Signal Routing For High Resolution Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detector arrays with high spatial resolution have low temporal resolution due to the need for numerous readout and processing steps, while those with high temporal resolution compromise spatial resolution by reducing the number of detector elements.
Innovation Solution
A detector array design where each detector element is connected to at least two signal lines, allowing simultaneous signal creation and processing, enabling high spatial and temporal resolution with fewer signal lines through OR-wiring and efficient readout mechanisms, such as readout taps and circuits like processors or FPGAs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high number of detector elements are used to achieve high spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but temporal resolution deteriorates due to the high number of readout and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional one-to-one mapping between detector elements and signal lines to a many-to-many mapping where each detector element connects to multiple signal lines. This dimensional change in the connection topology allows N detector elements to be read out through M signal lines (where M < N), effectively adding a new dimension to the readout architecture that resolves the time-resolution bottleneck while preserving spatial information through combinatorial encoding.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple signal lines are merged into fewer readout channels through OR-wiring, where multiple detector elements share common signal lines. This merging reduces the total number of readout channels required while maintaining the ability to distinguish individual detector element signals through logical reconstruction in the processing circuit, thereby reducing readout time and improving temporal resolution.
2Loss of time
If the number of detector elements is reduced to achieve high temporal resolution, then temporal resolution is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimensional aspect to the signal readout architecture by implementing multi-line connections for each detector element. This allows the system to maintain a high number of detector elements for spatial resolution while using combinatorial encoding through multiple signal lines to achieve fast temporal readout, effectively decoupling the trade-off between spatial and temporal resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
Each signal line serves multiple functions by being connected to multiple detector elements, and each detector element connects to multiple signal lines. This multi-functionality allows the reduced set of signal lines to carry information from multiple detector elements simultaneously, enabling both high spatial resolution (through multiple detector elements) and high temporal resolution (through efficient parallel readout).
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 design allows for high spatial resolution with a low number of signal lines, achieving both high spatial and temporal resolution in applications like scanning microscopy, even with low photon rates, while reducing material and costs by using smaller FPGAs and fewer lines.
Implementation Method 1
each of the multiple detector elements is configured to create a signal (in particular, in reaction of a photon arriving at the respective detector element) simultaneously in each of the connected signal lines
Implementation Method 2
Said circuit is configured to determine, upon receiving at least one signal from each of at least two of the multiple signal lines, one or more out of the multiple detector elements corresponding to the signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a detector array (100) comprising multiple detector elements (102) and multiple signal lines (110, 120), wherein each of the multiple detector elements (102) is connected to at least two of the multiple signal lines (110, 120), wherein each of the multiple signal lines (110, 120) is connected to at least two of the multiple detector elements (102), and wherein each of the multiple detector elements (102) is configured to create a signal (S) simultaneously in each of the connected signal lines (110, 120). The invention also relates to an imaging system and a method to image a sample.