Radiation Detector Segmented Capacitors for Fast Sequential Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation detection schemes for multi-energy imaging are inadequate in rapidly changing or dynamic imaging contexts, such as cardiac applications, due to slow switching speeds and the need for sequential readouts, resulting in insufficient acquisition speed and motion blur.
Innovation Solution
A radiation detector architecture with a photodiode, diode capacitor, storage capacitor, transfer gate, and matrix switch transistor allows for sequential X-ray exposure events without intervening readouts, reducing latency between image acquisitions to microseconds, enabling faster image capture and reducing motion blur.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional sequential readout is used for multi-energy imaging, then detector simplicity is maintained, but acquisition speed becomes insufficient for dynamic imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The detector pixel is segmented into multiple functional components: a first capacitor for storing charge from first energy X-rays, a second capacitor for storing charge from second energy X-rays, and separate readout paths for each capacitor. This segmentation allows independent storage and readout of charges from different energy levels, enabling rapid sequential acquisition without requiring complete readout of one energy level before acquiring the next, thus significantly improving acquisition speed for dynamic imaging applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If single image storage is used, then device complexity is reduced, but multi-energy differential transmission information cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple energy levels simultaneously. The pixel circuit includes a first capacitor and second capacitor that can independently store charge from different energy X-ray exposures, along with respective readout transistors that can selectively read from either capacitor. This universal design enables a single pixel to acquire and store multi-energy information without requiring separate detector arrays, achieving versatile multi-energy imaging capability while managing circuit complexity through integrated design.
3Speed
If fast switching between energy levels is implemented, then acquisition speed improves, but readout latency increases due to sequential readout requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The detector pixel is designed with multiple capacitors that can store charge from different energy levels simultaneously, allowing the system to prepare multiple energy images in parallel during the exposure phase. The readout transistors are configured to enable selective access to either the first or second capacitor, allowing the system to readout charges from different energy levels in an interleaved manner rather than sequentially completing one entire readout before starting the next, thereby reducing readout latency while maintaining fast switching capability between energy levels.
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 significantly reduces latency between image exposures, improving image quality in dynamic imaging contexts by allowing for faster acquisition of dual-energy images, effectively addressing motion issues in fast-moving anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
the radiation may be detected by use of a scintillating material that converts the higher energy radiation (e.g., X-rays) to optical light photons (e.g., visible light)
Implementation Method 2
the radiation may be detected by use of a scintillating material that converts the higher energy radiation (e.g., X-rays) to optical light photons (e.g., visible light)
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation detector is provided that provides fast sequential image acquisition. In one embodiment, the radiation detector a diode capacitor that is charged in response to a radiation exposure event. The charge stored in the diode capacitor is transferred to a separate storage capacitor, allowing a new charge to be generated and stored at the diode capacitor.