Direct Conversion Detector Module with Illumination Source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional CT detector modules using direct conversion materials suffer from charge trapping issues, leading to inaccuracy in x-ray counts, particularly at higher count rates, which affects image reconstruction accuracy.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a detector module with a direct conversion sensor material coupled to a substrate and a flexible interconnect, along with an illumination source to untrap charges, providing improved mechanical and thermal stability and accurate count information at higher x-ray flux rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct conversion materials are used for x-ray detection, then detection capability is improved, but charge trapping occurs leading to measurement inaccuracy at higher count rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvex-ray count accuracyVSAvoidcount accuracy at high flux rates

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An illumination source is introduced as an intermediary component to interact with the direct conversion material. The illumination source emits light that penetrates the material and releases trapped charges, mediating the interaction between light and the sensor material to resolve charge trapping and restore measurement accuracy at high count rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If higher x-ray flux rates are used for imaging, then productivity is improved, but charge trapping increases causing loss of information

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging speedVSAvoidcharge trapping

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination source performs preliminary action by continuously or periodically illuminating the direct conversion material to prevent and release trapped charges before they can cause significant measurement errors. This proactive approach maintains detection accuracy even during high-rate imaging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If conventional detector modules are used, then device complexity is reduced, but mechanical and thermal stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector structureVSAvoidmechanical and thermal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The detector module employs a composite structure combining direct conversion material, illumination source, and support infrastructure. This composite design integrates multiple functional components that work together to achieve both mechanical stability through proper support and thermal management, while maintaining the high-performance detection capabilities of the direct conversion material.

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 solution enhances the stability and accuracy of x-ray count data, supporting precise image reconstruction by effectively addressing charge trapping and improving the reliability of imaging systems at higher input x-ray flux rates.

Implementation Method 1

x-ray photon energy is converted into electron-hole pairs and the resulting current pulse signals are detected and counted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDirect conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least one illumination source for illuminating the direct conversion sensor material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoconductivity: Photoconductivity

Data Source

PatentUS8824635B2Detector modules for imaging systems and methods of manufacturing

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

Detector modules for an imaging system and methods of manufacturing are provided. One detector module includes a substrate, a direct conversion sensor material coupled to the substrate and a flexible interconnect electrically coupled to the direct conversion sensor material and configured to provide readout of electrical signals generated by the direct conversion sensor material. The detector module also includes at least one illumination source for illuminating the direct conversion sensor material.