Radiation Image Conversion Panel Isotropic Phosphor Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiation image conversion panels with stimulable phosphor layers face issues of nonuniform sensitivity, brightness deterioration, and reduced shock resistance due to non-isotropic crystalline growth and high thermal expansion coefficients, leading to panel warping and sensitivity inconsistencies.

Innovation Solution

A radiation image conversion panel with a stimulable phosphor layer where the variation coefficient of in-plane X-ray diffraction peak intensities is maintained below 40%, ensuring isotropic distribution and uniform crystallinity, achieved through vapor deposition with a rotating support member to form a uniform stimulable phosphor layer, enhancing sensitivity and shock resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the crystalline growth direction is specified in the vapor deposition method, then the sensitivity is improved, but the first peak intensity distribution becomes non-uniform causing panel warping and reduced shock resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoiduniformity of peak intensity distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by specifying different crystalline growth directions for different regions of the stimulable phosphor layer. The first crystalline growth direction is specified in the radial direction from the center, while the second crystalline growth direction is specified in the tangential direction. This local differentiation ensures uniform first peak intensity distribution across the panel while maintaining high sensitivity, thereby preventing panel warping and improving shock resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the stimulable phosphor layer is formed with high crystallinity to improve sensitivity, then the radiation conversion efficiency is improved, but the thermal expansion coefficient causes separation from the support member and reduced shock resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidshock resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the crystalline growth directions and the composition ratios of the stimulable phosphor layer. By specifying the first crystalline growth direction in the radial direction and the second crystalline growth direction in the tangential direction, and by controlling the ratio of the third crystalline growth direction to the first crystalline growth direction to be within a specific range, the patent achieves high crystallinity for improved sensitivity while maintaining structural integrity and shock resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If the crystalline structure is optimized for high sensitivity, then the brightness is improved, but the non-uniform peak intensity distribution causes brightness deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebrightnessVSAvoiduniformity of sensitivity distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing directionally controlled crystalline growth across different regions of the phosphor layer. The radial and tangential crystalline growth directions are specified to ensure uniform first peak intensity distribution, which directly translates to uniform brightness and sensitivity across the entire panel, preventing brightness deterioration while maintaining high overall brightness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

The solution results in improved radiation image quality with reduced panel bending and enhanced resistance to shock and separation, while maintaining high sensitivity and uniformity.

Implementation Method 1

the radiation having passed through a subject is absorbed by a stimulable phosphor, and this stimulable phosphor is excited by a certain form of energy so that the radiographic energy accumulated in the stimulable phosphor is emitted as a stimulable phosphor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotostimulable phosphorescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a radiation image conversion panel having a stimulable phosphor layer containing a stimulable phosphor on a support member according to the vapor deposition method

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 3

a variation coefficient of distribution of first peak intensities representing a maximum intensity of an X-ray diffraction pattern inside the stimulable phosphor layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS8956686B2Radiation image conversion panel and preparation method thereof

Publication Date: 2015.02.17 KONICA MINOLTA MEDICAL & GRAPHICS INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a preparation method of a radiation image conversion panel by a vapor deposition method, in which a support member is supported and rotated and the stimulable phosphor evaporated from the evaporation source is deposited onto the support member to form a stimulable phosphor layer. The radiation image conversion panel manufactured by the method is also disclosed.