Hybrid Semiconductor Pixel Detector Segments for Dead Zone Elimination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detectors of ionizing radiation face challenges in creating a continuous image of larger scanned objects due to the limitations of hybrid semiconductor pixel detectors, which result in dead zones and reduced sensitivity at the edges of detector segments when assembled in a mosaic structure, requiring complex and costly calibration and software solutions.
Innovation Solution
The detector employs a matrix with mosaically arranged hybrid semiconductor pixel detector segments where each segment's sensor layer is active over its entire area, including the peripheral edges, and is positioned with carriers that allow for minimal clearance between adjacent segments, enabling a continuous and coherent image without the need for additional hardware or software to compensate for dead zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If hybrid semiconductor pixel detectors are assembled in a mosaic structure to detect larger scanned objects, then the detection area is increased, but dead zones and reduced sensitivity appear at the edges of detector segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the active sensing area into the third dimension by creating an overlap between the sensor layer and reader chip that forms a tiered structure. This vertical dimension allows the edge of the sensor layer to extend beyond the reader chip boundary, enabling detection in areas that would otherwise be dead zones in a flat two-dimensional arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor layer is positioned to overlap the reader chip edge before final assembly, creating a tiered structure that proactively eliminates dead zones. This preliminary positioning ensures that the active edge of the sensor layer is already in place to detect radiation in the overlap region, preventing the formation of insensitive areas.
2Area of stationary object
If detector segments are assembled in a mosaic structure with inactive edges, then the detection area can be expanded, but complex and costly calibration and software solutions are required to compensate for dead zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inactive edge region by extending the active sensor layer beyond the reader chip boundary. This removes the dead zone problem from the system, eliminating the need for complex calibration and software compensation that would otherwise be required to handle insensitive areas in mosaic arrangements.
3Reliability
If the sensor layer is extended to the peripheral edges to eliminate dead zones, then continuous image detection is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested structure where the reader chip is positioned within the carrier, and the sensor layer overlaps the reader chip edge. This nested arrangement provides mechanical support and alignment references that facilitate precise positioning during assembly, reducing the actual manufacturing precision requirements despite the need for accurate edge alignment.
4Reliability
If detector segments are arranged with minimal clearance, then a continuous image is achieved, but the structural complexity of the carrier and positioning system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the carrier functions by integrating the positioning mechanism directly into the carrier structure. The carrier simultaneously provides mechanical support, positioning references, and alignment features for the sensor layer and reader chip, reducing the need for separate positioning systems and simplifying the overall structure despite the requirement for minimal clearance between segments.
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 arrangement allows for the creation of a fully sensitive detection area with minimal gaps, enabling the capture of a complete and accurate digital image of the scanned object without the need for extra resources, improving image quality and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
semiconductor detectors are becoming increasingly used as radiation detectors for imaging, operating on the principle of only a single conversion, when the impacting radiation generates an electrical signal directly in the semiconductor element
Implementation Method 2
the most commonly used display areas are now scintillation screens (e.g. CsI, Gadox, NaI (Tl), BGO, LYSO) in combination with photodetectors operating in the range of visible light
Implementation Method 3
scintillation screens (e.g. CsI, Gadox, NaI (Tl), BGO, LYSO) in combination with photodetectors operating in the range of visible light (e.g. CCD or CMOS sensors). These systems utilize the principle of double conversion: radiation is first converted in the scintillator into visible light, then converted to electrical signal using a photodetector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A detector (1) of ionizing radiation, e.g. x-ray radiation, allowing for the creation of a continuous digital image of a scanned object, particularly in flaw detection, in testing material, in biology, medicine, etc. The detection surface (2) is formed by a mosaic of semiconductor pixel hybrid detector segments (3 ) arranged in a matrix (10). Each detector segment (3) consists of a sensor layer (5) arranged on a chip reader (6) with the formation of tiers (7) to engage an adjacent detector segment (3). Known detectors (1) have sensor layers (5) with inactive edges, forming a so-called dead zone in the image. The essence of the invention consists in that the sensor layer (5) of the detector segment (3) is active over its entire area, and the matrix (10) is provided with a means for positioning the detector segments (3) to define their mutual lateral clearance to a value less than the size of one pixel of the sensor layer (5). The positioning means preferably comprises a moveable and fixable carrier (11) of rows (4). The resulting detection surface (2) is active over its entire area and allows for the direct creation of continuous digital image without dead zones.