Dual Scintillator Radiation Imaging with Light-Shielding Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation imaging apparatuses face challenges in acquiring energy subtraction images with high image quality due to complex element structures and reduced detection quantum efficiency, leading to a degradation in signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
A radiation imaging apparatus with a substrate featuring a two-dimensional array of conversion elements, where a first scintillator is arranged on one surface and a second scintillator on the opposite surface, with a light-shielding layer between the scintillators to control light amounts received by conversion elements, allowing for energy subtraction imaging while minimizing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two photodiodes are used to generate one pixel data of the radiation images, then energy subtraction image can be acquired, but the element structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two scintillators with different energy response characteristics into a single pixel structure, where the first scintillator converts high-energy radiation to light and the second scintillator converts low-energy radiation to light. Both scintillators share common conversion elements and readout circuits, merging what would traditionally be separate detection channels into one integrated pixel that can generate energy-subtracted images without requiring complex multi-photodiode structures
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion elements and readout circuits are designed to serve multiple functions: they detect light from both the first and second scintillators, enabling the same hardware components to perform both high-energy and low-energy radiation detection simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection paths for each energy component
2Device complexity
If photodiodes are arranged in a planar manner to detect light from scintillators, then structure is simplified, but detection quantum efficiency degrades and S/N ratio reduces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging photodiodes in a planar configuration, the patent positions conversion elements at different spatial locations relative to the scintillators. The first conversion elements are placed to receive light from the first scintillator while the second conversion elements are positioned to receive light from the second scintillator, utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement to maintain optimal light collection efficiency while avoiding planar constraints
3Adaptability or versatility
If scintillators are arranged on opposite surfaces of substrate, then energy subtraction imaging is enabled, but light amounts to conversion elements become uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light-shielding layers at specific locations between the scintillators and certain conversion elements. These light-shielding layers are strategically positioned to block light from the first scintillator from reaching the second conversion elements, and vice versa. This localized light blocking enables precise control over which conversion elements receive light from which scintillator, ensuring proper light amount distribution for energy-subtracted imaging
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 enables the acquisition of energy subtraction images with improved image quality and reduced manufacturing costs, maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio and resolving power.
Implementation Method 1
a first scintillator arranged on a first surface side of the substrate, and a second scintillator arranged on a second surface side opposite to the first surface of the substrate
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of conversion elements arranged in a two-dimensional array... a plurality of first conversion elements arranged so as to receive light beams from the first scintillator and the second scintillator
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a substrate in which conversion elements are arranged and which transmits light beams, a first scintillator arranged on a first surface side of the substrate, and a second scintillator arranged on a second surface side opposite to the first surface. The conversion elements include first conversion elements and second conversion elements. The first conversion elements are arranged so as to receive light beams from the first scintillator and the second scintillator. A light-shielding layer is arranged between the first scintillator and each of the second conversion elements so as to set light amounts of the second conversion elements from the first scintillator smaller than those of the first conversion elements from the first scintillator, and the second conversion elements are arranged to receive a light beam from the second scintillator.