Dynamic Capacitance Switching for Semiconductor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical diagnostic imaging and radiation detection apparatuses face challenges in dynamically adjusting pixel capacitance to accommodate the varying radiation levels required for capturing both still and moving images, leading to potential signal inadequacies or saturation issues.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus with a transistor, a conversion element, and a variable capacitance capacitor connected in parallel, where the capacitance can be dynamically adjusted by selectively applying different electric potentials to control the accumulation or depletion of charge carriers, allowing for optimal capacitance settings based on image capture mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pixel with large capacitance is used to detect high radiation density in still images, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the capacitance becomes too large for capturing moving images with low radiation density, resulting in insufficient signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic capacitance switching by connecting multiple capacitors with different capacitance values to the photoelectric conversion element through switching elements. The system can dynamically change the total capacitance value connected to the photoelectric conversion element depending on the imaging mode (still image or moving image), thereby adapting to different radiation density requirements without compromising signal-to-noise ratio in either mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the capacitance parameter by providing a plurality of capacitors with different capacitance values and selectively connecting them to the photoelectric conversion element. This allows the system to adjust the capacitance parameter according to different imaging requirements - using larger capacitance for still images with high radiation density and smaller capacitance for moving images with low radiation density.
2Measurement precision
If a pixel with small capacitance is used to detect low radiation density in moving images, then the signal sensitivity is improved, but the capacitance becomes too small for capturing still images with high radiation density, resulting in pixel saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic capacitance switching by connecting multiple capacitors with different capacitance values to the photoelectric conversion element through switching elements. The system can dynamically change the total capacitance value connected to the photoelectric conversion element depending on the imaging mode (still image or moving image), thereby adapting to different radiation density requirements without compromising signal-to-noise ratio in either mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the capacitance parameter by providing a plurality of capacitors with different capacitance values and selectively connecting them to the photoelectric conversion element. This allows the system to adjust the capacitance parameter according to different imaging requirements - using larger capacitance for still images with high radiation density and smaller capacitance for moving images with low radiation density.
3Device complexity
If a fixed capacitance value is used in the pixel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the apparatus cannot adapt to different radiation levels required for still and moving image capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic capacitance switching by connecting multiple capacitors with different capacitance values to the photoelectric conversion element through switching elements. The system can dynamically change the total capacitance value connected to the photoelectric conversion element depending on the imaging mode (still image or moving image), thereby adapting to different radiation density requirements without compromising signal-to-noise ratio in either mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the capacitor configuration multi-functional by providing a plurality of capacitors with different capacitance values that can be selectively connected to the photoelectric conversion element. This single capacitor system serves multiple functions - handling both still image capture with high radiation density and moving image capture with low radiation density, thereby eliminating the need for different pixel designs for different imaging modes.
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 solution enables a high signal-to-noise ratio and improved sensitivity by allowing the detection apparatus to adapt capacitance according to the specific radiation intensity needs of still or moving image capture modes, preventing signal inadequacies or saturation.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor connected in parallel with the conversion element to the transistor, the capacitor including, between the substrate and the conversion element, an ohmic contact part connected to the conversion element, a semiconductor part connected to the ohmic contact part, and an electrically conductive part disposed at a location opposite to the semiconductor part and the ohmic contact part via an insulating layer
Implementation Method 2
a potential supplying unit configured to selectively supply a first electric potential to the electrically conductive part to accumulate charge carriers in the semiconductor part and a second electric potential to the electrically conductive part to deplete the semiconductor part
Implementation Method 3
a conversion element disposed above the transistor and connected to the transistor
Data Source
AI summary
A detection apparatus includes a transistor disposed on a substrate, a conversion element disposed above the transistor and connected to the transistor, a capacitor connected in parallel with conversion element to the transistor, the capacitor including, between the substrate and the conversion element, an ohmic contact part connected to the conversion element, a semiconductor part connected to the ohmic contact part, and an electrically conductive part disposed at a location opposite to the semiconductor part and the ohmic contact part via an insulating layer, and a potential supplying unit configured to selectively supply a first electric potential to the electrically conductive part to accumulate charge carriers in the semiconductor part and a second electric potential to the electrically conductive part to deplete the semiconductor part. The detection apparatus configured in the above-described manner is capable of controlling pixel capacitance thereby achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio.