Multilayer Collimator Structure for Fluorescent Radiation Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state semiconductor radiation detectors face interference from fluorescent radiation generated by collimators, which complicates the manufacturing and assembly process and reduces detector performance.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer collimator design with layers of decreasing atomic mass, where each layer extends to lock into the next, minimizing fluorescent interference by absorption and providing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-material collimator is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but fluorescent radiation interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is divided into multiple layers with different materials (e.g., inner layer of gold/palladium/silver and outer layer of aluminum/copper). Each layer serves a specific function: the inner layer provides structural integrity while the outer layer absorbs fluorescent radiation. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve manufacturing simplicity and reduced fluorescent interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator uses composite material construction combining materials with different atomic numbers. The inner layer uses high-Z materials for structural purposes, while the outer layer uses low-Z materials that effectively absorb fluorescent X-rays. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple material properties into a single collimator structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a multilayer collimator is used to reduce fluorescent interference, then detector performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple collimator layers are merged into a single integrated component rather than separate parts. The inner and outer layers are formed as one unified collimator structure, simplifying the assembly process and reducing the number of components. This merging approach maintains the performance benefits of multilayer design while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator design provides multiple functions within a single structure: the inner layer provides mechanical support and defines the aperture, while the outer layer provides fluorescent radiation absorption. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining effective fluorescent interference reduction.
3Manufacturing precision
If collimator layers are stacked separately, then assembly is complex, but manufacturing precision can be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator layers are merged into a single monolithic component manufactured using additive manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate stacking and alignment of multiple layers, as the entire multilayer structure is created in one manufacturing process. This approach maintains manufacturing precision while dramatically reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex multilayer structure is pre-manufactured as a single integrated component using additive manufacturing technology. By performing the manufacturing action beforehand in a controlled additive process, the need for subsequent complex assembly and alignment operations is eliminated. The layers are already precisely positioned relative to each other during the additive manufacturing process.
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 multilayer collimator effectively reduces fluorescent interference and simplifies the manufacturing process, enhancing detector performance and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
primary fluorescent radiation created in the first layer 301 becomes absorbed through generation of secondary fluorescence of lower energy in the second layer 302
Implementation Method 2
primary fluorescent radiation created in the first layer 301 becomes absorbed through generation of secondary fluorescence of lower energy in the second layer 302
Data Source
AI summary
A multilayer collimator for a radiation detector comprises a first layer of a first attenuator material and a second layer of a second attenuator material, each having a coincident opening therethrough. The second attenuator material has an atomic mass smaller than that of the first attenuator material. The second layer continues into an extension departing from the plane of said second layer. There is at least one location in said second layer where a normal to the surface of said second layer passes through a part of said first layer and into said extension, for locking said first layer and second layer into an assembled configuration of the multilayer collimator.