Dual-Sided PET Detector Module for Precision Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PET detector modules face a trade-off between detection performance and cost and complexity, with more photosensors improving performance but increasing costs and complexity, and fewer photosensors reducing performance but lowering costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A PET system with a detector module that includes a scintillator array optically coupled to first and second sets of photosensors extending in different directions, allowing for the identification of interacting scintillators and determination of interaction depth and time, thereby optimizing performance and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If more photosensors are used in the PET detector module, then detection performance is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dual-sided readout by placing photosensors on both the first and second opposite surfaces of the scintillator array. This dimensional change from single-sided to dual-sided detection enables the system to achieve equivalent or superior detection performance with fewer total photosensors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
Each photosensor in the dual-sided configuration serves multiple functions: detecting scintillation light from radiation interactions, providing depth-of-interaction information through relative signal intensity comparison, and enabling position reconstruction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, lowering overall device complexity
2Measurement precision
If more photosensors are used in the PET detector module, then detection performance is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning to dual-sided readout configuration, the patent reduces the total number of photosensors required while maintaining detection performance. This dimensional change in the detection architecture directly lowers component count and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection functions of both surfaces of the scintillator array into a unified dual-sided readout system. This merging approach allows shared signal processing electronics and reduces the total photosensor count, thereby reducing manufacturing cost
3Measurement precision
If depth of interaction information is determined using additional electronics, then imaging accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics module compares signal intensities from photosensors on opposite surfaces to determine depth of interaction. This feedback mechanism uses the inherent symmetry of the dual-sided configuration to extract depth information through signal ratio comparison, avoiding the need for complex additional depth-sensing hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The scintillator array itself provides depth-of-interaction information through the relative intensity of light signals detected on opposite surfaces. The system uses this self-generated optical signal information without requiring external depth-sensing components, reducing device complexity while improving imaging accuracy
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 system achieves a balance between high detection performance and reduced cost and complexity by effectively utilizing a scintillator array with photosensors arranged in a specific configuration to enhance image reconstruction and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The detector module may be configured to receive radiation rays and generate a plurality of light signals in response to the received radiation rays
Implementation Method 2
a first set of photosensors optically coupled to a first surface of the scintillator array and extending in the second direction, and a second set of photosensors optically coupled to a second surface of the scintillator array
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for PET imaging. The system may include a detector module and an electronics module. The detector module may include a scintillator array having N rows of scintillators arranged in a first direction and M columns of scintillators arranged in a second direction, a first set of photosensors coupled to the scintillator array and extending in the second direction, and a second set of photosensors coupled to the scintillator array and extending in the first direction. The electronics module may detect a first set of electrical signals generated by the first set of photosensors and a second set of electrical signals generated by the second set of photosensors, and identify a scintillator within the scintillator array that has interacted with an impinging radiation ray relating to an electrical signal of the first set of electrical signals or the second set of electrical signals.