Hybrid X-ray Detector with Shared Conversion Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CT detectors face challenges with energy integrating detectors losing energy-related information, leading to increased noise and decreased contrast, while photon counting detectors struggle with weak signal response and pulse stacking under high X-ray flux.
Innovation Solution
The development of an X-ray detector that combines energy integrating and photon counting hybrid imaging, featuring a shared ray conversion portion with both scintillator and semiconductor properties, allowing for simultaneous conversion of electron-hole pairs and visible light photons, and ensuring one-to-one correspondence between electronic and photoelectric elements at each pixel position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an energy integrating detector is used, then the detector structure is simple and cost is low, but energy-related information is lost leading to increased noise and decreased contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into two independent detection channels: a photon counting detector with electronic elements for counting photons, and an energy integrating detector with photoelectric elements for measuring energy. Each channel processes information differently, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both photon count and energy information without loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds another dimension to the detection process by stacking the photon counting detector and energy integrating detector along the first direction (depth/layer dimension). This three-dimensional arrangement allows both detectors to receive X-rays from the same direction while processing information in different dimensional spaces, enabling simultaneous photon counting and energy measurement
2Measurement precision
If a photon counting detector is used, then conversion efficiency is higher and quantum noise is lower, but signal response strength is weak and pulse stacking occurs under high X-ray photon flux
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the photon counting detector and energy integrating detector into a hybrid detection system where both detectors operate simultaneously. The energy integrating detector provides strong signal response and acts as a reference for pulse stacking correction, while the photon counting detector maintains high conversion efficiency. The combination compensates for the weaknesses of each individual detector
Solution Approach 2:
The energy integrating detector serves as an intermediary reference system that provides continuous energy information and signal strength data. This intermediary information is used to correct pulse stacking effects in the photon counting detector, enabling accurate photon counting even under high flux conditions
3Loss of information
If separate detectors are used for photon counting and energy integrating detection, then both types of information can be obtained, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid detector system performs multiple functions within a unified structure. The same X-ray beam path serves both photon counting and energy integrating detection. The shared ray conversion portion and common support structure enable dual-functionality without requiring completely separate detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the photon counting detector and energy integrating detector are stacked along the first direction with their electronic and photoelectric elements positioned at different depths. This nested three-dimensional structure allows both detectors to occupy the same spatial footprint while maintaining independent detection capabilities
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 hybrid detector achieves high-quality reconstructed images by processing photon counting and energy integrating signals simultaneously at the same pixel position, reducing noise and enhancing contrast compared to conventional detectors.
Implementation Method 1
the ray conversion portion is configured to receive an X-ray and convert the X-ray into an electron-hole pair
Implementation Method 2
the ray conversion portion is further configured to receive the X-ray and convert the X-ray into a visible light photon
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed in the present invention are an X-ray detector based on energy integrating and photon counting hybrid imaging, and a CT machine. The X-ray detector comprises: a counting detector, having at least one column of pixelated electronic elements; and an integrating detector, stacked on one side of the counting detector in a first direction and having at least one column of pixelated photoelectric elements. At any pixel position, the electronic elements and the photoelectric elements are in one-to-one correspondence in the first direction; the counting detector and the integrating detector share one ray conversion part, and the ray conversion part is capable of receiving X-rays and converting the X-rays into electron hole pairs so as to transmit the electron hole pairs to the electronic elements; the ray conversion part is also capable of receiving X-rays and converting the X-rays into visible light photons so as to transmit the visible light photons to the photoelectric elements. The counting detector and the integrating detector in the X-ray detector share one ray conversion part, and image processing can be performed, at a same point in time, on two detection signals at a same pixel position, such that a high-quality reconstructed image is obtained.