Radiation Detector Collimator Alignment for Image Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation detectors face challenges in achieving high spatial resolution while maintaining efficient radiation absorption, particularly in large-area and high-pixel-density applications.
Innovation Solution
The method involves aligning a collimator and a plurality of radiation detectors by moving them along specific directions, rotating the collimator, and arranging the detectors in staggered rows to capture images of portions of a scene at different positions, which are then stitched to form a comprehensive image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scintillator thickness is increased to improve radiation absorption, then absorption efficiency is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates due to light spreading and scattering
Solution Approach 1:
A collimator is introduced as an intermediary component between the radiation source and the detector. The collimator consists of a matrix of holes that selectively transmit radiation along specific paths while blocking scattered radiation. This mediator enables the system to achieve both high absorption efficiency (by allowing sufficient radiation to reach the detector) and high spatial resolution (by preventing light spreading and scattering from degrading the image quality).
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator is segmented into a matrix of individual holes, each corresponding to a specific detector element. This segmentation allows independent control of radiation paths for each detector pixel, enabling precise spatial resolution while maintaining overall high absorption efficiency through the collective action of all segments.
2Measurement precision
If the number of pixels is increased to improve image resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and heat management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator adds a spatial dimension (the third dimension of hole depth and positioning) to the detector system. This dimensional addition enables high-resolution imaging through geometric filtering of radiation paths, allowing the detector to achieve high pixel density without proportionally increasing heat management complexity, as the collimator handles spatial filtering externally rather than requiring each pixel to independently manage thermal loads.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to capture different portions of a scene, then measurement precision is improved, but alignment precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detector elements are merged into a single integrated detector array, with each element having its own corresponding collimator hole. This unified structure ensures that all detectors share a common reference frame and alignment baseline, significantly reducing alignment precision difficulties compared to using separate, independently aligned detector systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The collimator-detector system is designed with self-aligning features where the geometric relationship between collimator holes and detector elements automatically ensures proper alignment. The rigid structural connection and matched geometries allow the system to maintain alignment precision without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms or procedures.
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 enables the formation of high-resolution images by optimizing the alignment and movement of radiation detectors and collimators, thereby improving the spatial resolution and efficiency of radiation detection.
Implementation Method 1
aligning a collimator and a plurality of radiation detectors of an image sensor
Implementation Method 2
A semiconductor radiation detector may include a semiconductor layer that absorbs radiation in wavelengths of interest. When a radiation particle is absorbed in the semiconductor layer, multiple charge carriers (e.g., electrons and holes) are generated
Implementation Method 3
moving the radiation detectors along a first direction; moving the collimator along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction
Implementation Method 4
rotating the collimator about an axis perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method comprising: aligning a collimator (2000) and a plurality of radiation detectors (100) of an image sensor (9000) by: moving the radiation detectors (100) along a first direction ( 799X); moving the collimator (2000) along a second direction (799Y) perpendicular to the first direction (799X); rotating the collimator (2000) about an axis (799Z) perpendicular to the first direction (799X) and the second direction (799Y); wherein the plurality of radiation detectors (100) are configured to capture images (51A, 51B and 51C) of portions of a scene (50) at different image capturing positions, respectively, and to form an image of the scene (50) by stitching the images (51A, 51B and 51C) of the portions.