Pixelated Anode Detector Depth of Interaction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the depth of interaction (DOI) in radiation detectors for Nuclear Medicine imaging are complex and inaccurate due to the use of cathodes, which produce noisy signals and require additional hardware, reducing the accuracy and effectiveness of signal correction.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor radiation detector assembly with pixelated anodes and a processor that acquires primary and secondary signals to determine the DOI without using cathode signals, utilizing the measured negative value of induced signals to derive the DOI and improve image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cathode-based methods are used to determine DOI, then DOI determination can be achieved, but hardware complexity and signal noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cathode component from the DOI determination system. Instead of using cathode signals, the invention uses only anode signals (primary and secondary) to determine DOI, thereby removing the hardware complexity and noise associated with cathodes while maintaining DOI measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The anodes perform multiple functions: they detect photons (primary detection) and simultaneously provide the signals needed for DOI determination (secondary function). The secondary signal from adjacent anodes, which would otherwise be waste information, is utilized to determine DOI, making the system self-sufficient without requiring separate cathode hardware
2Measurement precision
If cathode signals are used for DOI determination, then DOI can be measured, but signal noise and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the normally discarded secondary signal from adjacent anodes into a useful resource for DOI determination. This secondary signal, which represents wasted information in conventional systems, is transformed into a beneficial component that enables accurate DOI measurement without introducing the noise problems associated with cathode signals
3Measurement precision
If additional hardware is added to collect and process cathode signals, then DOI determination is enabled, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anodes are designed to serve multiple purposes: primary photon detection and DOI determination through secondary signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cathode hardware and associated processing equipment, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining full DOI determination capability
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 increases sensitivity and energy resolution, reduces processing and hardware complexity, and enhances image quality by eliminating the need for cathode signals, thereby improving the accuracy of DOI determination.
Implementation Method 1
Each pixelated anode is configured to generate a primary signal responsive to reception of a photon by the pixelated anode and to generate at least one secondary signal responsive to an induced charge caused by reception of a photon by at least one surrounding anode
Data Source
AI summary
A detector assembly is provided that includes a semiconductor detector, plural pixelated anodes, and at least one processor. The plural pixelated anodes are disposed on a surface of the semiconductor detector. Each pixelated anode is configured to generate a primary signal responsive to reception of a photon and to generate at least one secondary signal responsive to an induced charge caused by reception of a photon by at least one surrounding anode. The at least one processor is operably coupled to the pixelated anodes and is configured to acquire a primary signal from one of the anodes responsive to reception of a photon; acquire at least one secondary signal from at least one neighboring pixel; and determine a depth of interaction in the semiconductor detector for the reception of the photon by the one of the anodes using the at least one secondary signal.