Radiation Detector Conductive Part Charge Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In radiation detectors, charge sharing between adjacent detecting elements leads to crosstalk and noise, particularly in direct-conversion type detectors, where miniaturization for high definition requires narrower intervals between pixels, potentially reducing radiation detection efficiency and increasing unnecessary exposure.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a conductive part with higher conductivity than the crystal, positioned between anode electrodes and underneath the anti-scatter grid, to redirect and trap electrons, thereby reducing charge sharing without the need for a judging circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the intervals between pixels are reduced to achieve high definition and miniaturization of detecting elements, then image resolution is improved, but charge sharing between adjacent detecting elements increases causing crosstalk and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidcharge sharing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive layer is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent detecting elements. This conductive layer acts as a mediator that captures and redirects charge carriers, preventing them from spreading to neighboring pixels. The conductive layer is positioned between the crystal and the readout circuitry, creating an intermediate zone that controls charge carrier movement and reduces crosstalk while maintaining tight pixel spacing for high definition imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the ASGs are designed with sufficient blocking capabilities to reduce charge sharing, then crosstalk is reduced, but the intervals between pixels must be enlarged which lowers radiation detection efficiency and increases unnecessary radiation exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecrosstalkVSAvoidradiation detection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layer serves as an intermediary that reduces the blocking requirement of ASGs. By capturing charge carriers before they can spread laterally, the conductive layer allows ASGs to be designed with smaller intervals while maintaining effective charge separation. This intermediary mechanism enables both high definition imaging and efficient radiation detection without excessive patient exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a judging circuit is added to detect and correct charge sharing, then crosstalk can be reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecrosstalkVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layer converts the potentially harmful lateral spread of charge carriers into a beneficial effect by deliberately capturing these carriers at a controlled interface. The charge carriers that would otherwise cause crosstalk are redirected to the conductive layer, which then channels them to the appropriate detecting element. This approach eliminates the need for complex judging circuits while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 effectively minimizes crosstalk between detecting elements, maintaining high definition while reducing noise in medical images without enlarging pixel intervals, thus enhancing image quality.

Implementation Method 1

a crystal (221) configured to directly convert incident radiation into electrons

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a conductive part (227) that is provided between the plurality of anode electrodes and has a conductivity higher than that of the crystal (221)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11543543B2Radiation detector and radiation diagnosis apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.01.03 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP
  • US11543543B2 patent drawing
  • US11543543B2 patent drawing
  • US11543543B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A radiation detector according to an embodiment includes: a cathode electrode, a plurality of anode electrodes, a crystal, an anti-scatter grid, and a conductive part. The cathode electrode is provided on the radiation incident side. The plurality of anode electrodes are arranged so as to oppose the cathode electrode. The crystal is provided between the cathode electrode and the plurality of anode electrodes and configured to convert incident radiation into electrons. The conductive part is provided between the plurality of anode electrodes and has a conductivity higher than that of the crystal. The anti-scatter grid is provided on the radiation incident side of the cathode electrode so as to oppose the conductive part via the crystal, while being arranged in a first direction.