Radiation Detection Element With Gradient Electrodes for Charge Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiation detection elements have limited sensitive regions due to weak electric fields at the periphery of signal output electrodes, leading to reduced radiation detection accuracy and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The radiation detection element incorporates a third electrode surrounding the second electrode, with a voltage applied to create a changing potential from the third electrode to the second electrode, generating an electric field that facilitates the movement of electric charges to the first electrode, and uses a collimator to shield areas with weak electric fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a collimator is used to cover parts where electric charges are less likely to be gathered, then radiation detection accuracy is improved, but the sensitive region is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation detection accuracyVSAvoidsensitive region
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electric field distribution parameters by introducing a third electrode and applying specific voltages to create a potential gradient that enhances charge collection in previously weak field regions, thereby expanding the effective sensitive region without compromising detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The third electrode acts as an intermediary element between the second electrode and the periphery of the semiconductor portion, creating intermediate potential levels that facilitate gradual charge transport from peripheral regions to the signal output electrode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the potential difference between the electrode and barrier electrode is increased, then it becomes easier for electric charges to gather at the signal output electrode, but the potential difference becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge gathering efficiencyVSAvoidpotential difference stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electric field enhancement into multiple stages by introducing the third electrode as an intermediate structure, allowing the potential difference to be distributed across multiple smaller gradients rather than one large unstable gradient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The third electrode serves as a mediator that stabilizes the potential distribution by providing intermediate potential levels, preventing direct large potential differences that would cause instability while still enabling effective charge collection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration enlarges the sensitive region, improving radiation detection efficiency and accuracy by ensuring electric charges are gathered effectively at the signal output electrode, even in previously non-sensitive areas.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage is applied to the second electrode and the third electrode so that a potential changes from the third electrode to the second electrode. An electric field in which a potential changes from the third electrode toward the second electrode is generated near the incident surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

When radiation is incident on the semiconductor portion, electric charges are generated inside the semiconductor portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4597171A1Radiation detection element, radiation detector, and radiation detection device
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 HORIBA LTD
  • EP4597171A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4597171A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4597171A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a radiation detection element, a radiation detector, and a radiation detection apparatus capable of increasing a sensitive region. A radiation detection element including a semiconductor portion having an incident surface onto which radiation is incident, a first electrode which is provided on a rear surface of the incident surface and into which electric charges generated in the semiconductor portion by incidence of radiation flow, and a second electrode provided on the incident surface, located on a rear side of the first electrode, and being applied a voltage required for causing the electric charges to flow into the first electrode includes a third electrode provided on the incident surface and disposed at a position surrounding the second electrode, wherein the third electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode, and a voltage is applied to the second electrode and the third electrode so that a potential changes from the third electrode to the second electrode.