Non-Parallel Slit Collimator for High Energy Radiation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detection apparatuses for high energy radiation, such as gamma radiation, face challenges in achieving high spatial resolution while maintaining sensitivity and reconstruction speed, particularly when tracking fast-moving particles or cells with low radioactivity in dynamic situations.
Innovation Solution
The use of a detection apparatus with at least three slits, where at least two are non-parallel, increases sensitivity and allows for the reconstruction of a point source's position by creating a line-shaped irradiation surface on the detector, enabling better resolution and reduced blurring effects through magnification, while maintaining flexibility and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pinhole collimators are used to achieve high spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but sensitivity deteriorates due to the very small cross-sectional area of pinholes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from zero-dimensional pinholes to one-dimensional slits, increasing the cross-sectional area from a point to a line. This dimensional change allows radiation to pass through a much larger area while still providing sufficient spatial resolution through the slit geometry and detector positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the collimator from circular pinholes to rectangular slits with specific width and length dimensions. By optimizing the slit width (small enough for resolution) and length (large enough for sensitivity), the system achieves both high spatial resolution and high sensitivity simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If multiple non-parallel slits are used to reconstruct point source position, then measurement precision is improved through coordinate definition, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses at least three non-parallel slits that define a three-dimensional coordinate system. Each slit provides a planar constraint, and the intersection of these planes uniquely determines the source position in 3D space, enabling precise position reconstruction through geometric triangulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator system is segmented into multiple independent slits, each contributing one coordinate constraint. This segmentation allows the system to build up complete spatial information through the combination of multiple simple linear constraints rather than requiring a single complex aperture.
3Quantity of substance
If slit collimators are used instead of pinhole collimators, then sensitivity is improved due to larger cross-sectional area, but blurring effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using slits instead of pinholes, the system transitions from point-like to line-like apertures. The extended dimension of the slit provides larger collecting area for sensitivity, while the finite width of the slit and the geometric arrangement with multiple slits maintain spatial resolution through the intersection of projection planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the local geometry of each slit, making the width small relative to the length. This creates a highly anisotropic aperture that is sensitive in one dimension (along the slit length) while providing resolution in the perpendicular dimension, allowing simultaneous achievement of sensitivity and sharpness.
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 enhances the ability to track moving sources with high sensitivity and speed, effectively addressing the limitations of existing systems by providing a more accurate and efficient method for detecting and reconstructing the position of high energy radiation sources in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one detector having a detection surface and configured to convert incident high energy radiation into a detection signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A detection apparatus for detecting high energy radiation, preferably for detecting gamma radiation, coming from a source (20) of high energy radiation in a detection volume (C), e.g. from one or more particles emitting high energy radiation. The apparatus comprises at least one detection surface (13-1, 13-2, 13-3)configured to convert incident high energy radiation into a detection signal, and a collimator system comprising at least three collimator slits (12-1, 12-2, 12-3). Each collimator slit is arranged to project high energy radiation coming from a respective slit field of view of said detection volume onto said detection surface. At least two of said collimator slits extend in non-parallel directions and the respective slit fields of view of said at least two non - parallel collimator slits and the slit field of view of any other of said at least three collimator slits overlap and define a common detection volume of the detection apparatus.