Electromagnetic Wave Detection Stabilizing Sensitivity via Potential Equalization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation imaging elements, particularly those with photoelectric conversion films and charge generation/transport layers, experience sensitivity variations during continuous or high-dose image capture, and lack effective methods to eliminate afterimages.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic wave information detection apparatus and method that includes a photoelectric converter with a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer, where an electric potential imparting unit equalizes the electric potentials of the electrode layers between irradiation events to stabilize sensitivity and prevent afterimages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a photoelectric conversion film with charge generation layer and charge transport layer is used for continuous or high-dose image capture, then image capture capability is improved, but sensitivity variations occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture capabilityVSAvoidsensitivity stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies a preliminary neutralization action by short-circuiting the electrode layers before subsequent irradiation. This preliminary action removes accumulated space charges that would otherwise cause sensitivity variations during continuous or high-dose image capture, thereby maintaining sensitivity stability while preserving image capture capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements periodic neutralization cycles between irradiation events. By repeatedly short-circuiting the electrode layers at intervals during continuous operation, the system periodically removes accumulated space charges, preventing sensitivity drift and maintaining reliable performance throughout extended imaging sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If a photoelectric conversion film with charge generation layer and charge transport layer is used, then image capture function is improved, but afterimage generation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture functionVSAvoidafterimage generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies a preliminary neutralization action by short-circuiting the electrode layers before subsequent irradiation. This preliminary action removes accumulated space charges that would otherwise cause sensitivity variations during continuous or high-dose image capture, thereby maintaining sensitivity stability while preserving image capture capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements periodic neutralization cycles between irradiation events. By repeatedly short-circuiting the electrode layers at intervals during continuous operation, the system periodically removes accumulated space charges, preventing sensitivity drift and maintaining reliable performance throughout extended imaging sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively stabilizes sensitivity variations within ±1% and prevents afterimages by equalizing electrode potentials, improving the reliability of radiation imaging across multiple exposures.

Implementation Method 1

a charge generation layer that generates positive charge and negative charge upon being irradiated with an electromagnetic wave carrying information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a charge transport layer that transports only either the positive charge or the negative charge generated in the charge generation layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge transport: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8643386B2Electromagnetic wave information detection apparatus and electromagnetic wave information detection method

Publication Date: 2014.02.04 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

Disclosed is an electromagnetic wave information detection apparatus, including a photoelectric converter including first and second electrode layers; a charge generation layer that generates positive and negative charges by irradiation of an electromagnetic wave; and a charge transport layer; an electric potential imparting unit that imparts electric potentials to the first and second electrode layers; a detection unit; and a control unit controlling the electric potential imparting unit and the detection unit such that the electric potentials of the first and second electrode layers are equalized during a predetermined period of time between a process of imparting detection electric potentials to the first and second electrode layers to detect information carried by an electromagnetic wave of a previous irradiation and a process of imparting the detection electric potentials to the first and second electrode layers to detect information carried by an electromagnetic wave of a subsequent irradiation.