Radiation Detector Pixel Layout for Asymmetric Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art hybrid pixel detectors require redesign or additional readout chips to achieve varying resolutions, leading to inefficiencies in space usage and resource consumption when different resolutions are needed, as they are typically limited by the quadratic shape of sensor pixels and the fixed dimensions of readout chips.
Innovation Solution
A radiation detector design that allows for position-resolved detection using a sensor tile with non-quadratic sensor pixels and readout circuitries of different shapes, enabling flexible resolution adjustment while reusing existing readout chips by adapting the sensor pixel layout to achieve different resolutions in x- and y-directions without requiring new chip designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor pixels are made smaller to achieve higher resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but the readout chip exceeds the sensor tile area causing space waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from quadratic 2D sensor pixels to rectangular sensor pixels with different aspect ratios, effectively using dimensional proportions to decouple resolution from area. By making sensor pixels rectangular rather than quadratic, the system can achieve higher resolution in one direction without proportionally increasing the readout chip area, as the non-uniform pixel dimensions allow for more efficient space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different pixel dimensions locally across the sensor tile, with inner sensor pixels having different extensions in x and y directions compared to outer pixels. This local differentiation allows optimization of resolution in specific regions without requiring a uniform increase in overall readout chip area, enabling high resolution where needed while maintaining space efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If readout chip is redesigned to match smaller sensor tile dimensions, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the readout chip with a standardized interface and architecture that can accommodate multiple sensor tile configurations and resolutions. By creating a universal readout chip platform that supports various sensor pixel arrangements through software or configuration settings, the system avoids the need for physical chip redesigns when adapting to different resolution requirements, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables resolution adjustment by changing sensor pixel dimensional parameters rather than redesigning the readout chip hardware. The readout chip maintains fixed physical dimensions while the sensor tile parameters (pixel size, shape, arrangement) are variable, allowing flexibility in resolution without increasing device complexity or requiring costly chip redesigns.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensor pixels are added to maintain original sensor tile size, then measurement precision is improved, but additional readout chips are required increasing space consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rectangular sensor pixels with different aspect ratios to pack more sensing elements into the same sensor tile area without requiring additional readout chips. By optimizing the dimensional proportions of individual pixels rather than using uniform quadratic pixels, the system achieves higher effective resolution through more efficient spatial arrangement, maintaining space efficiency while improving measurement precision.
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
Enables the use of existing readout chips with multiple sensor pixel designs, reducing development costs and redesign efforts, and allows for efficient space utilization by adjusting pixel dimensions to meet specific resolution requirements in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
Ionizing radiation that is desired to be detected and measured interacts with the sensor material and deposits energy in the sensor material. The deposited energy converts to electron-hole pairs in the sensor material.
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation detector for position-resolved detection of radiation comprises at least one sensor tile with sensor material sensitive to the radiation. The sensor tile defines a horizontal plane spanned by a first axis and a second axis orthogonal to the first axis. A set of sensor pixels of electrically conductive material is arranged in the horizontal plane and in contact with the sensor material. The set comprises a subset of inner sensor pixels, wherein an inner sensor pixel has a neighbor sensor pixel in each direction of the first axis and the second axis. At least two neighboring inner sensor pixels of the subset show an extension along the second axis that exceeds an extension along the first axis. The radiation detector further comprises at least one readout chip assigned to the at least one sensor tile and extending along the first axis and the second axis.