Pulsed Radiation Detector Synchronization via Periodic Pixel Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiation detectors face challenges in isolating and reducing the impact of dark noise, which affects the accuracy of signal detection, especially when used with pulsed radiation sources.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pulsed radiation source and a radiation detector with a scintillator, where the detector includes pixels configured to detect visible light emitted by the scintillator, and a controller that determines the ON and OFF periods of the pulsed radiation source based on the intensity of the X-ray radiation, causing the pixels to integrate signals only during ON periods and not during OFF periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pixels continuously integrate signals during both ON and OFF periods, then more total signal is collected, but dark noise impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the pixel integration periods with the pulsed radiation source ON periods. The controller enables pixels to integrate signals only during ON periods and disables integration during OFF periods, creating a periodic integration pattern that matches the periodic radiation emission. This resolves the contradiction by collecting signal only when radiation is present, eliminating dark noise accumulation during OFF periods while maintaining adequate total signal collection.
2Reliability
If pixels integrate signals during OFF periods, then integration time increases improving sensitivity, but dark noise accumulates without corresponding signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting the harmful dark noise component from the signal integration process. The controller selectively disables pixel integration during OFF periods when only dark noise is generated, effectively removing the source of dark noise accumulation from the measurement process. This allows the system to maintain integration during productive ON periods while eliminating the harmful effect of dark noise accumulation during non-productive OFF periods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a device to detect radiation intensity is added, then synchronization capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by making the existing pixel array perform multiple functions. The same pixels that detect the scintillation signal are also used to detect the radiation intensity for synchronization purposes. The controller utilizes the signal from these multi-functional pixels to determine ON/OFF period timing, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated radiation detection device and achieving synchronization capability without increasing device complexity.
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 solution effectively reduces the impact of dark noise by integrating signals only during radiation source ON periods, thereby enhancing the accuracy and usefulness of the radiation detector.
Implementation Method 1
a scintillator configured to emit a second radiation upon receiving a first radiation from the pulsed radiation source
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A radiation detector comprises: a scintillator configured to emit a second radiation upon receiving a first radiation from a pulsed radiation source, a plurality of pixels, and a controller; wherein each pixel is configured to detect the second radiation; wherein the pulsed radiation source is configured to emit the first radiation during a plurality of ON periods and configured not to emit the first radiation during a plurality of OFF periods; wherein the controller is configured to determine that the pulsed radiation source is at one of the ON periods or at one of the OFF periods; wherein the controller is configured to cause the pixels to integrate signals or not to integrate signals with determination that the radiation source is at one of the ON periods or at one of the OFF periods.