Hexagonal Sensor Array for Gamma Ray Detector Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional direct converter gamma ray detectors suffer from sub-optimal noise characteristics and non-uniformity in uncertainty distribution, limiting their intrinsic resolution due to the use of square anode lattices, which are not isotropic and result in higher uncertainty at the edges compared to the center.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a direct converter detector sensor array with hexagonal-shaped sensors, which have a lower perimeter-to-area ratio, leading to reduced capacitance and increased signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in more homogeneous electric field distributions and uniform noise patterns, allowing for improved sub-pixel positioning and intrinsic resolution. The hexagonal arrangement ensures that each sensor is equidistant from its neighbors, enhancing the calculation of sub-pixel positions in three directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If square anode lattices are used to define detector pixels, then the detector structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the noise characteristics are sub-optimal and intrinsic resolution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from square anode lattices to hexagonal sensor geometries. The hexagonal shape provides six-fold symmetry that is more isotropic than the four-fold symmetry of squares, creating more uniform electric field distributions and reducing directional dependence in measurement precision across the detector surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the sensor array from square to hexagonal configuration. This parameter change optimizes the perimeter-to-area ratio, reduces capacitance, and improves the signal-to-noise ratio, thereby enhancing intrinsic resolution without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Measurement precision
If square anode lattices are used, then manufacturing is easier, but uncertainty distribution is non-uniform with higher uncertainty at edges compared to center
Solution Approach 1:
The hexagonal geometry replaces the square lattice, providing more uniform spacing in all directions from any given sensor. This geometric transformation creates more isotropic electric field distributions, reducing the directional variation in uncertainty and achieving more uniform positioning accuracy across the entire detector surface.
3Reliability
If hexagonal-shaped sensors are implemented, then capacitance is reduced and signal-to-noise ratio is increased, but sensor fabrication may become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sensor geometry parameter from square to hexagonal, optimizing the perimeter-to-area ratio. This parameter change reduces parasitic capacitance between adjacent sensors, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and measurement reliability, while the modular hexagonal design can be fabricated using standard semiconductor processing techniques.
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 reduces sub-pixel positioning uncertainty, improves intrinsic resolution, and reduces the need for position-dependent corrections, enabling more accurate determination of gamma ray locations and three-dimensional image reconstruction with reduced noise and non-linearity.
Implementation Method 1
A direct converter gamma ray detector uses a material such as Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride (CZT) to directly convert received gamma rays to electrical charge
Implementation Method 2
Such capacitance may be achieved in some embodiments by reducing the sensor perimeter for a given sensor area
Implementation Method 3
The hexagonal arrangement ensures that each sensor is equidistant from its neighbors, enhancing the calculation of sub-pixel positions in three directions
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method include an array of sensors electrically coupled to a material capable of converting a gamma ray to electrical charge, where distances between a center of a first sensor and centers of each sensor immediately-adjacent to the first sensor are substantially equal. Signals are collected from each sensor immediately-adjacent to the first sensor, and one of a plurality of logical sub-pixels of the first sensor is determined based on the signals collected from each sensor immediately-adjacent to the first sensor.