Overlapping Linear Photodiode Detector for 2D Position Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation detectors lack effective 2D spatial resolution and are prone to crosstalk, which hinders accurate position-sensitive detection of radiation.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a detector apparatus with overlapping sets of linear photodiode elements arranged in non-parallel relationships on a substrate, utilizing CMOS wafer processing technologies to enhance radiation detection capabilities and reduce crosstalk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional silicon strip detectors with parallel strip arrangements are used, then the detector can be fabricated using established CMOS processes, but the detector lacks effective 2D spatial resolution and suffers from crosstalk between adjacent strips

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve2D spatial resolutionVSAvoidcrosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional parallel strip arrangements to an overlapping grid configuration where strips from different sets intersect at angles. This dimensional reorganization creates independent 2D position detection by resolving which combination of overlapping strips detect the radiation signal, thereby achieving true 2D spatial resolution while reducing crosstalk through the geometric arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector is divided into multiple independent linear detector elements arranged in overlapping sets. Each linear element can be independently read out, and the combination of signals from overlapping elements provides 2D position information. This segmentation allows precise localization while isolating crosstalk to individual elements rather than propagating across the entire detector array

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If overlapping non-parallel linear detector elements are implemented, then precise 2D position-sensitive detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases compared to traditional parallel strip arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition-sensitive detection accuracyVSAvoiddetector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The overlapping linear detector element configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides 1D position information along each linear element's axis, enables 2D position resolution through geometric intersection, and reduces crosstalk through the non-parallel arrangement. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If double-sided wafer technology is used to create 2D detectors with orthogonal strips, then 2D detection capability is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and crosstalk between opposite sides increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve2D detection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple linear detector elements into overlapping sets on the same wafer face, combining their detection capabilities into a unified 2D detection system. This integration achieves 2D detection capability while maintaining single-sided fabrication, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process compared to double-sided wafer technology and reducing crosstalk between opposite sides

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration enables precise 2D position-sensitive detection of radiation with reduced crosstalk, allowing for efficient integration into systems and improved detection accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

each said first linear detector element comprising at least one photodiode device; and a second set of two or more second linear detector elements, each said second linear detector element comprising at least one photodiode device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2956965B1Detector apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 ISDI LIMITED
  • EP2956965B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)
  • EP2956965B1 patent drawingFigure 1(b)
  • EP2956965B1 patent drawingFigure 1(c)

AI summary

Some embodiments of the present invention provide detector apparatus comprising: a first set of two or more first linear detector elements, each said first linear detector element comprising at least one photodiode device; and a second set of two or more second linear detector elements, each said second linear detector element comprising at least one photodiode device, the first and second sets of linear detector elements being arranged in an overlapping relationship, respective overlapping linear detector elements of the first and second sets being arranged in a substantially non-parallel relationship.