Photonic Radiation Detection Device with Over-Pixelation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current photonic radiation detection devices face limitations in sensitivity and spatial resolution, with existing solutions either compromising on these parameters or requiring complex and costly translation mechanisms or over-pixelation methods.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with a collimator and detector configuration that includes over-pixelation in the detection plane and a variable collimator-detector distance, allowing for improved spatial resolution and sensitivity by using a high-efficiency collimator with a lower septal height, and optionally incorporating depth localization to create a 3D voxel matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the collimator-detector distance is reduced to improve spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but sensitivity deteriorates due to increased geometric divergence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces over-pixelation in the detection plane, effectively adding a dimensional factor to the detection geometry. By creating multiple virtual pixels (e.g., 3x3 or 5x5 matrices) from a single physical pixel, the system resolves photons that would otherwise be indistinguishable, thereby improving spatial resolution without requiring the collimator to be closer to the detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection plane is segmented into multiple virtual pixels through over-pixelation, allowing each physical pixel to be divided into smaller effective detection elements. This segmentation enables better spatial discrimination of incoming photons, improving resolution while maintaining the physical distance between collimator and detector.
2Measurement precision
If over-pixelation is implemented to improve spatial resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical translation mechanisms with a computational approach. Instead of physically moving the detector or collimator to achieve different viewing angles, the system uses over-pixelation algorithms to computationally resolve multiple spatial positions from a fixed detector configuration, significantly reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of pixels through over-pixelation, where each physical pixel generates multiple virtual pixel signals through computational processing. This copying approach allows the system to achieve the effect of multiple physical pixels without the corresponding increase in hardware complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If a high-efficiency collimator with lower septal height is used to improve sensitivity, then sensitivity is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates due to increased photon scatter
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing over-pixelation in the detection plane, the patent adds a dimensional factor that compensates for the reduced geometric resolution from lower septal height collimators. The multiple virtual pixels created through over-pixelation provide additional spatial discrimination that offsets the increased photon scatter from the more sensitive, lower septal height collimator design.
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 combination of over-pixelation and adjustable collimator-detector distance enhances spatial resolution and sensitivity, enabling sharper and more contrasted images without degrading performance, even at high frequencies, and allows for optimized image reconstruction across various spatial frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
The detector can comprise a scintillator material, such as cesium iodide, for instance CsI(Tl), sodium iodide, for instance NaI(Tl)... When a photon penetrates in the scintillator material and interacts with it, it produces photons of lower energy, in general in the visible spectrum.
Implementation Method 2
These photons are then collected by at least one photo detector coupled to the scintillator material, then transformed in an exploitable electrical signal.
Implementation Method 3
When a photon penetrates in the semi-conductor material and interacts with it, all or part of its energy is transferred to charge carriers in the semi-conductor material. Since the detector is polarized, the charge carriers migrate towards the electrodes (the anode).
Data Source
AI summary
A photonic radiation detection device includes a collimator, a detector, means for localization in the detection plane defining on the one hand the partitioning of the detection plane in physical or virtual pixels of transversal dimensions smaller than those of the collimator channels, and associating on the other hand one of said pixels to each photon interaction. The detection device has at least in one previously selected acquisition configuration, a degree of pixelation in the detection plane greater than 1 and a collimator-detector distance (c) greater than one tenth of the septal height (h) of the collimator. A method for dimensioning such a device includes, for at least one given spatial frequency, calculating and comparing merit indicator values for different acquisition configurations of a structural model of the detection device.