Focused Detector Array Layout for Gap-Free X-Ray Absorption Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detector arrays for radiographic inspection systems face challenges in maintaining high resolution and efficient detection due to misalignment and gaps between detector elements, particularly in stacked-type dual-energy X-ray detectors, which affect image quality and alignment precision.
Innovation Solution
The detector array is designed with detector elements aligned along a straight line, where surface normals converge into a common focus, and neighboring elements' end surfaces are aligned along this line, ensuring no gaps and improved detection efficiency, while allowing for easy mounting and replacement of elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If detector elements are arranged in a conventional linear or arc configuration, then the detector array structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but misalignment and gaps between detector elements occur, reducing detection precision and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The detector elements are arranged in an arc configuration with their detection surfaces oriented such that their surface normals converge to a common focus point. This curved arrangement naturally directs radiation from the focal point to each detector element, eliminating misalignment issues while maintaining structural feasibility through modular detector mounting on the arc structure.
2Productivity
If detector elements are positioned to cover the radiation beam, then detection efficiency improves, but the detector array height and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector elements are arranged in an arc configuration rather than a straight line, utilizing angular positioning to achieve complete radiation coverage. This dimensional reorganization allows the detectors to be positioned closer to the radiation source while maintaining full beam coverage, reducing the overall detector array volume and height compared to conventional linear arrangements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stacked-type dual-energy detector elements are used, then energy discrimination capability improves, but alignment precision and gap control between elements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is divided into multiple independent detector elements arranged in an arc, each capable of stacked-type dual-energy detection. The arc configuration and common focus arrangement allow each detector element to be independently positioned and aligned, simplifying the assembly process and improving alignment precision while maintaining the energy discrimination capability of stacked-type detectors.
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 enhances detection efficiency, reduces the detector array's height and volume, maintains consistent magnification, and improves resolution by ensuring all radiation is detectable, addressing issues of misalignment and gap-related inefficiencies in prior art systems.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation surfaces may comprise a scintillator adapted to convert the electromagnetic radiation into radiation detectable by a photodiode.
Implementation Method 2
A photodiode may be arranged on each of the detector elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is related to a detector array (1) for detecting electromagnetic radiation, said detector array (1) comprising a plurality of detector elements (2) arranged consecutively along a scan line which extends in a first direction (Y), each of said detector elements (2) having a detection surface (3) for receiving electromagnetic radiation and being operative to convert the received electromagnetic radiation into a corresponding detection signal, wherein surface normals (4) of each of said detection surfaces (3) extend in a common plane (S) and converge into a common focus (5), wherein the common plane (S) extends in said first direction (Y) and the distances between the common focus (5) and the detection surfaces (3) along the normal direction (N) are different for at least two detector elements (2). Furthermore, the present invention is related to a radiographic inspection system (20) comprising said detector array (1).