Radiation Detector Insulating Layer for Electrode Oxidation Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation detection apparatuses face the risk of electrode deterioration due to oxidation when exposed to outside air, despite protection measures for the semiconductor layer.

Innovation Solution

A radiation detection apparatus is designed with an insulating layer covering the electrodes and semiconductor layer to protect the detection unit from external influences, using materials like silicon nitride or aluminum oxide to shield the electrodes and semiconductor layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the semiconductor layer is covered with an organic layer to protect from outside air, then the moisture resistance of the semiconductor layer is improved, but the electrodes constituting the detection unit will deteriorate due to oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture resistance of semiconductor layerVSAvoidoxidation of electrodes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is segmented into two distinct layers: an organic layer covering the semiconductor layer to provide moisture resistance, and an inorganic layer covering the electrodes to provide oxidation protection. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in protecting its specific component without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inorganic layer acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the electrodes and the external environment. This intermediate layer specifically addresses the oxidation problem of the electrodes while allowing the organic layer to continue providing moisture protection to the semiconductor layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the electrodes are exposed to outside air, then the detection unit structure is simplified, but the electrodes will deteriorate due to oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure of detection unitVSAvoidelectrode durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A thin inorganic layer is applied to cover the electrodes, providing protection against oxidation. This thin film approach maintains the simplicity of the overall device structure while effectively preventing electrode deterioration through the formation of a protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of manufacture

If no protective layer is provided, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the detection unit will deteriorate due to oxidation and moisture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing processVSAvoiddetection unit durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Protective layers are applied in advance during the manufacturing process before the detection unit is completed. The organic layer is applied to the semiconductor layer and the inorganic layer is applied to the electrodes as preliminary protective measures, ensuring long-term durability without requiring additional protective structures later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A composite protective system is implemented using both organic and inorganic materials. The organic layer provides moisture resistance while the inorganic layer provides oxidation resistance, creating a composite protection system that addresses multiple degradation mechanisms simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 insulating layer effectively prevents degradation of the detection unit, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the radiation detection apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a semiconductor layer located on the first electrode, the semiconductor layer producing a charge corresponding to radiation incident on the radiation detection apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

there is a risk that the electrodes constituting the detection unit will deteriorate due to oxidation or the like if those electrodes are exposed to outside air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation prevention: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP4650831A1Radiation detection device, method for manufacturing same, and radiation CT device
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 CANON KK
  • EP4650831A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4650831A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4650831A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radiation detection apparatus comprises a board, a first electrode located on the board, a semiconductor layer located on the first electrode, the semiconductor layer producing a charge corresponding to radiation incident on the radiation detection apparatus, a second electrode located on the semiconductor layer, the second electrode having a first surface contacting the semiconductor layer and a second surface opposite the first surface; and an insulating layer contacting the second surface of the second electrode.