Intertwined Electrode Detector for Ionizing Radiation Charge Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photon counting detectors face challenges with charge sharing, leading to loss of information on photon energy and inaccurate localization of ionizing radiation due to cross-talk between neighboring detector pixels, which degrades imaging performance.
Innovation Solution
A detector with a directly converting semiconductor layer and electrodes structured to intertwine two-dimensionally, forming a comb-like structure with alternating comb-teeth, allowing charge carriers to be registered by multiple electrodes, enabling accurate localization and energy determination of ionizing radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a semi-conductor material detector is used for photon counting, then detection efficiency and energy resolution are improved, but charge sharing between neighboring pixels increases causing loss of information and degraded imaging performance
Solution Approach 1:
The detector active area is divided into multiple pixel elements with individual readout circuits. Each pixel is electrically isolated and can independently process charge carriers, allowing the system to maintain high detection efficiency while managing charge sharing effects through localized processing and assignment algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The readout circuit determines which pixel received the highest charge and assigns the photon detection event to that pixel. This feedback mechanism allows the system to correct for charge sharing effects by identifying the primary interaction location, thereby preventing information loss and maintaining accurate energy measurement.
2Reliability
If a semi-conductor material detector is used for photon counting, then detection efficiency is improved, but cross-talk between neighboring detector pixels increases causing inaccurate localization
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into discrete pixel elements with defined boundaries. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high detection efficiency across the entire active area while providing clear spatial assignment of detected photons to specific pixel locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The readout circuit uses feedback to determine the primary interaction location by identifying which pixel received the maximum charge. This assignment process corrects for charge diffusion effects and ensures accurate localization of photon interactions, maintaining both high detection efficiency and precise spatial resolution.
3Area of stationary object
If charge sharing occurs between neighboring pixels, then detection coverage is improved, but spectral and spatial resolution performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The detector active area is divided into multiple pixel elements that collectively provide comprehensive detection coverage. Each pixel is electrically isolated with its own readout circuit, allowing the system to maintain high detection efficiency across the entire area while managing charge sharing through localized processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The readout circuit implements a feedback mechanism that identifies the pixel with the highest charge signal and assigns the detection event to that pixel. This process preserves spectral and spatial resolution by accurately determining the primary interaction location, even when charge carriers diffuse to neighboring pixels.
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 approach improves spectral and spatial resolution performance by compensating for charge sharing, resulting in enhanced image quality and accuracy in medical imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
a directly converting semiconductor layer for producing charge carriers in response to incident ionizing radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a detector (22′) for detecting ionizing radiation, comprising: a directly converting semi-conductor layer (36) for producing charge carriers in response to incident ionizing radiation; and a plurality of electrodes (34) corresponding to pixels for registering the charge carriers and generate a signal corresponding to registered charge carriers; wherein an electrode of the plurality of electrodes (34) is structured to two-dimensionally intertwine with at least two adjacent electrodes to register the charge carriers by said electrode and by at least one adjacent electrode. The present invention further relates to a detection method and to an imaging apparatus.