Phase-Contrast Detector With Sub-Pixel Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray phase-contrast imaging techniques require higher X-ray doses due to absorption by gratings, leading to increased patient dose and reduced dose efficiency, and necessitate multiple acquisitions at different phase steps, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A phase-sensitive detector with sub-pixel resolution readout structures integrates the functionality of the analyzer grating, allowing for simultaneous measurement of phase, amplitude, and offset without the need for a detector-side grating, thereby reducing X-ray absorption and eliminating the requirement for multiple acquisitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gratings are used in phase-contrast imaging, then phase-contrast information is obtained, but X-ray absorption increases leading to higher patient dose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the detector-side grating from the imaging system, extracting only the essential phase-contrast functionality. By eliminating this grating, X-ray absorption is reduced while phase-contrast information is still obtained through the remaining grating and phase-sensitive detector configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The phase-sensitive detector with sub-pixel resolution readout structures performs multiple functions: it detects both the phase-contrast interference pattern and the absorption information simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for the detector-side grating that would otherwise be required to analyze the interference pattern
2Measurement precision
If multiple acquisitions at different phase steps are performed, then complete phase-contrast imaging is achieved, but imaging efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous phase-contrast imaging by using a phase-sensitive detector that can capture phase information continuously at sub-pixel resolution. This eliminates the need for discrete multiple acquisitions at different phase steps, maintaining imaging completeness while improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of moving the grating through different phase steps with a stationary grating configuration combined with a phase-sensitive detector. The electronic readout structures provide the phase-stepping functionality without physical movement, eliminating the need for multiple sequential acquisitions
3Measurement precision
If a detector-side grating is used, then phase analysis is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the detector-side grating from the system, simplifying the device configuration. Phase analysis capability is maintained through the phase-sensitive detector with sub-pixel resolution readout structures that can analyze the interference pattern without requiring this additional grating component
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 reduces X-ray absorption and patient dose, while enabling simultaneous acquisition of phase and absorption images, improving imaging efficiency and reducing the need for multiple acquisitions.
Implementation Method 1
The scintillator layer is configured to convert incident X- ray radiation (16) modulated by a phase grating structure (18) into light to be detected by the photodiode layer
Implementation Method 2
a photodiode layer (14) behind the scintillator layer and configured to detect incident light
Implementation Method 3
a phase grating structure (18) between the X-ray source and the scintillator layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to fabrication and use of a phase-contrast imaging detector that includes sub-pixel resolution electrodes or photodiodes spaced to correspond to a phase-contrast interference pattern. A system using such a detector may employ fewer gratings than are typically used in a phase-contrast imaging system, with certain functionality typically provided by a detector-side analyzer grating being performed by sub-pixel resolution structures (e.g., electrodes or photodiodes) of the detector. Measurements acquired using the detector may be used to determine offset, amplitude, and phase of a phase-contrast interference pattern without multiple acquisitions at different phase steps.