Emission Tomography Detector Module with Dual Photodetectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current emission tomography scanners face limitations in photon detection due to bulky photodetectors and reduced accuracy, particularly in achieving high energy and timing resolution.
Innovation Solution
The integration of two types of solid-state photodetectors with different frequency response characteristics, such as an avalanche photodiode for high energy resolution and a silicon photomultiplier for high timing resolution, optically coupled to a scintillator, along with a signal processing unit to combine their outputs, enhances detection accuracy and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional photodetectors are used in emission tomography scanners, then the detection system can be implemented, but the detector module becomes bulky and detection accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple types of photodetectors (silicon photomultiplier and avalanche photodiode) into a single integrated detector module, merging their complementary detection capabilities to achieve both high energy resolution and high timing resolution while maintaining a compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The detector module employs a composite photodetector system where silicon photomultipliers and avalanche photodiodes are integrated together, each contributing different detection properties that complement each other, resulting in a detector that overcomes the limitations of individual photodetector types
2Measurement precision
If single type of photodetector is used, then the detector design is simplified, but energy resolution and timing resolution cannot both be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the detector module are assigned different photodetector types optimized for specific functions: silicon photomultipliers for high timing resolution and avalanche photodiodes for high energy resolution, allowing each component to operate at its optimal performance level for its designated measurement task
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 results in a compact detector module with improved energy and timing resolution, enabling precise localization of coincidence events and better image reconstruction in emission tomography, while being compatible with existing scanners.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator to capture a photon, the scintillator emitting a scintillating light on capturing the photon
Implementation Method 2
a first type of solid-state photodetector to detect the scintillating light
Data Source
AI summary
An emission tomography detector module and an emission tomography scanner are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the emission tomography detector modules includes a scintillator to capture an photon, the scintillator emitting a scintillating light on capturing the photon; a first type of solid-state photodetector to detect the scintillating light; and a second type of solid-state photodetector to detect the scintillating light, wherein the first type of solid-state photodetector and the second type of solid-state photodetector are different with respect to a detecting property.