Light Guide Layer for X-Ray Detector Pixel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiographic imaging systems using film as detection media face delays in obtaining images due to the need for physical transport and processing, and digital systems suffer from light loss between pixels, resulting in less precise images and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray detector system incorporating a scintillator to convert X-rays into light and a light redirection layer with channels and reflective regions that redirect light from non-light sensitive areas to light sensitive areas of pixels, minimizing light loss and improving image precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If digital radiography is used to enable quick image acquisition, then image acquisition speed is improved, but light loss between pixels occurs resulting in reduced measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the scintillator and the pixel array. This light guide layer contains light-redirecting structures (such as microlenses or reflective elements) that actively guide photons from the scintillator toward the light-sensitive regions of the pixels, reducing light loss and improving measurement precision while maintaining the speed benefits of digital radiography.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide layer implements local quality enhancement by providing targeted light redirection only in regions where pixels are located. The light-redirecting structures are positioned and configured to direct light specifically toward light-sensitive areas, ensuring that each pixel receives maximum light intensity while non-sensitive areas do not interfere with the process.
2Measurement precision
If film is used as detection media, then light loss is minimized, but image acquisition time increases due to transport and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide layer serves as a mediator that enables digital detectors to achieve light detection accuracy comparable to film by efficiently directing light to pixel sensors, thereby eliminating the need for physical film transport and processing while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical film transport and processing system with an electronic digital detection system enhanced by optical engineering (light guide layer). This substitution eliminates the time-consuming mechanical handling of film while using light-redirecting structures to maintain or improve light detection efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If pixel size is increased to improve light sensitivity, then light detection capability is improved, but spatial resolution decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide layer enables each pixel to effectively capture light from a larger area by redirecting stray light into the pixel's light-sensitive region. This allows pixels to maintain small physical dimensions for high spatial resolution while achieving the light sensitivity of larger pixels through enhanced optical collection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide layer adds an optical dimension to the detection system by implementing three-dimensional light paths. Light can travel laterally through the light guide layer and be redirected at various angles into the pixel, effectively increasing the light collection area without increasing the pixel footprint, thus maintaining spatial resolution while improving light sensitivity.
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
The solution enables quicker image acquisition and enhanced precision by ensuring that light is directed towards the sensitive areas of the pixels, reducing errors and improving diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator configured to convert x-rays into light
Implementation Method 2
a light reflector region, the channel being arranged relative to the at least one pixel to direct incoming light away from a non-light sensitive part of the at least one pixel and toward the light sensitive part of the at least one pixel
Data Source
AI summary
An x-ray detector, system and related method are described wherein a light redirection layer is provided and used to redirect light, converted from x-rays by a scintillator, to at least one pixel. The light redirection layer comprises at least one light redirecting cell comprising a channel and a light reflecting region, wherein the channel is arranged relative to the at least one pixel to direct the incoming light away from a non-light sensitive part of the at least one pixel and toward the light sensitive part of the at least one pixel.