Photon Detector Pixel Array for Energy Spectrum Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices face challenges in achieving high spatial, temporal, and energy resolution due to distortion in the energy spectrum caused by hole carrier trapping and charge sharing in pixelated semiconductor detector arrays, leading to inefficiencies and lower accuracy in medical imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a photon detector pixel array with an electric field to disperse photoelectrons, allowing for the identification of a central pixel and neighboring pixels with the highest amplitude response, enabling the determination of photon interaction characteristics such as time, position, and energy without relying on cathode signals, thereby improving energy resolution and image accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixelated semiconductor detector arrays are used for medical imaging, then imaging coverage and detection capability are improved, but energy spectrum distortion occurs due to hole carrier trapping and charge sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the detection process by spatially dividing the pixel array into a central pixel region and neighboring pixel regions. By separately analyzing signals from these segmented regions, the system can identify and exclude charge sharing events, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high imaging resolution and ensuring energy spectrum accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality analysis by treating the central pixel and neighboring pixels differently in the signal processing. The central pixel signal is analyzed in conjunction with neighboring pixel signals to detect charge sharing patterns, allowing local correction of energy spectrum distortion while preserving overall imaging resolution.
2Measurement precision
If conventional pixel analysis methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but accuracy in determining photon interaction characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the spatial relationship between central pixels and neighboring pixels, and pre-defining the signal analysis protocol. This preliminary structuring enables accurate photon interaction characteristic determination through systematic comparison of signals, without requiring complex real-time processing algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If high resolution imaging is pursued, then spatial and energy resolution are improved, but patient dosing and exam time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary information for accurate imaging by focusing analysis on the relationship between central pixel and neighboring pixel signals. This extraction approach eliminates redundant processing, allowing high resolution imaging to be achieved with reduced exam time and lower patient dosing requirements.
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 imaging resolution, reduces patient dosing and exam time, and decreases medical costs by accurately identifying photon interaction characteristics at a sub-pixelation level, improving the efficiency of medical imaging and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the photon detector pixel array comprises an electric field, wherein an electrostatic repulsive force disperses a photon to the photoelectron cloud
Implementation Method 2
receiving a photon interaction occurring within a photon detector pixel array, wherein the photon detector pixel array comprises a plurality of pixels
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving a photon interaction occurring within a photon detector pixel array, wherein the photon detector pixel array comprises a plurality of pixels; determining a photoelectron cloud generated from the photon interaction, wherein the photon detector pixel array comprises an electric field, wherein an electrostatic repulsive force disperses a photon to the photoelectron cloud; identifying a subset of the plurality of pixels associated with the photon interaction, wherein each of the subset of the plurality of pixels corresponds to pixels activated by the photo electron cloud, wherein the subset of the plurality of pixels comprise a central pixel and a plurality of neighboring pixels, wherein the central pixel comprises the pixel having the highest amplitude response to the photon interaction; and determining, from the photoelectron cloud, a characteristic of the photon interaction, wherein the characteristic comprises at least one of: time, position, and energy of the interaction. Other aspects are described and claimed.