Radiation Detector Using Image Sensors for Source Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation detection methods are cumbersome and complex due to the need for accurate detection of Compton scattering, gamma ray energy, and recoil electron energy, which increases detector size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A radiation detector comprising a stack structure with a first detection unit for detecting incoming radiation and a second detection unit for detecting scattered radiation, using image sensors to identify the position of a radiation source without directly measuring gamma ray energy, employing image processing to determine the traveling direction of radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accurate detection of Compton scattering, gamma ray energy, and recoil electron energy is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary detection capability - using image sensors to detect the positions of Compton scattering and recoil electrons, rather than measuring their energies. This selective extraction of detection functions reduces device complexity while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for radiation source localization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses image sensors (originally designed for visible light) as a copy/adapted solution for detecting radiation interactions. By repurposing existing image sensor technology to detect Compton scattering and recoil electron positions, the system achieves detection functionality without requiring specialized high-energy physics detectors, thereby reducing complexity
2Measurement precision
If accurate detection of Compton scattering, gamma ray energy, and recoil electron energy is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but the size of the detector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the position detection function from full energy measurement systems. By using image sensors to detect only the spatial positions of Compton scattering and recoil electrons (rather than their energies), the detector achieves sufficient precision for source localization with a significantly reduced volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs image sensors that can serve multiple functions: detecting Compton scattering positions, detecting recoil electron positions, and potentially imaging the radiation source. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized detectors, thereby reducing overall detector size
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 reduces detector size and manufacturing costs while accurately determining the position and direction of a radiation source, enabling efficient radiation detection without the need for precise energy measurement.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an occurrence position of a first interaction resulting from incoming radiation in the first radiation entrance region and a track of recoil electron generated by the first interaction
Implementation Method 2
a second detection unit which is provided between the substrate and the first detection unit and which includes a second radiation entrance region which is entered scattered radiation resulting from the first interaction
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation detector includes a first detection unit including a first radiation entrance region into which incoming radiation enters and in which first photoelectric conversion elements are arranged. The radiation detector also includes a second detection unit including a second radiation entrance region. The first detection unit detects an occurrence position of a first interaction and a track of recoil electron by using the first photoelectric conversion elements. The second detection unit detects an occurrence position of a second interaction resulting from the scattered radiation. A position of a radiation source is measured by the occurrence positions of the first and second interactions and the track of the recoil electron.