Dual-Side Scintillator Imaging for Dual-Energy Radiation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation image acquisition devices face challenges in acquiring radiation images in different energy bands due to the absorption of low-energy radiation by the entrance-surface-side photodetector element, which affects the radiation transmitted by the object.
Innovation Solution
A radiation image acquisition device with first and second imaging means that condense and image scintillation light from the entrance and opposite surfaces of a wavelength conversion member, respectively, with one imaging means operating in a direction normal to the surface and the other inclined, positioned apart from the wavelength conversion member to minimize interference with the object's radiation, allowing for dual-energy imaging with reduced influence on the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photodetector elements are coupled to the X-ray entrance surface of the scintillator to detect visible light, then detection efficiency of visible light is increased, but radiation in the low energy band is absorbed by the photodetector element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-sided detection architecture to a dual-sided detection architecture, utilizing both the entrance surface and the opposite surface of the scintillator for light detection. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture scintillation light from multiple directions, improving detection efficiency while preventing the photodetector from absorbing incident radiation before it reaches the scintillator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that separates the optical paths for different energy bands. The beam splitter directs scintillation light from the entrance surface to one photodetector array and light from the opposite surface to another photodetector array, enabling simultaneous dual-energy detection without radiation absorption by the photodetectors.
2Productivity
If imaging means is positioned close to the wavelength conversion member for condensing scintillation light, then imaging efficiency is improved, but the imaging means interferes with the radiation transmitted by the object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions imaging means on both sides of the wavelength conversion member, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to accommodate multiple imaging systems. This allows one imaging means to capture light from the entrance surface while another captures light from the opposite surface, maintaining high imaging efficiency without blocking incident radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the imaging system into separate imaging means for different energy bands, with each imaging means positioned to capture light from a specific surface of the scintillator. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each imaging path while avoiding mutual interference and radiation blocking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual-energy imaging is implemented using both surfaces of the scintillator, then radiation images in different energy bands are acquired, but the entrance-surface-side photodetector absorbs low-energy radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by detecting scintillation light from both the entrance surface and the opposite surface of the scintillator. This allows the system to acquire images in different energy bands simultaneously, with the opposite surface detection capturing low-energy radiation that penetrates through the scintillator, thereby achieving accurate dual-energy imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a beam splitter as an optical intermediary to separate the light paths from the two surfaces of the scintillator. This allows independent detection of scintillation light from each surface by dedicated photodetector arrays, enabling accurate measurement of both high-energy and low-energy radiation components without cross-interference.
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
Enables the acquisition of radiation images in different energy bands with reduced influence on the object's radiation, providing clear and accurate images with improved energy separation and contrast, especially effective for objects with lightweight atoms.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength conversion member of a flat plate shape which generates scintillation light according to incidence of the radiation emitted from the radiation source and transmitted by an object
Implementation Method 2
first imaging means which condenses and images the scintillation light emitted from an entrance surface for the radiation in the wavelength conversion member; and second imaging means which condenses and images the scintillation light emitted from a surface opposite to the entrance surface in the wavelength conversion member
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for capturing a radiation image includes a radiation source configured to emit radiation, a wavelength converter configured to receive the radiation emitted from the radiation source through an entrance plane after the emitted radiation has been transmitted by an object, to convert the received radiation to scintillation light, and to output the scintillation light from the entrance plane, a first optical system configured to focus on the entrance plane and to image the output scintillation light thereby generating a first radiation image of the object, and a first image sensor configured to capture the first radiation image to generate first image data.