Radiation Image Conversion Panel Surface Energy Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional radiation image conversion panels experience deteriorated crystallinity at the substrate-side end of vapor-deposited scintillators, leading to reduced optical output and resolution due to increased scattering of scintillation light.

Innovation Solution

A radiation image conversion panel with a heat-resistant resin layer having a surface energy of 20-35 mN/m, where the phosphor is vapor-deposited, improves crystallinity and reduces light scattering, enhancing optical output and resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If phosphor is vapor-deposited on conventional resin layer, then phosphor layer is formed, but crystallinity deteriorates at root part causing increased light scattering and reduced optical output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystallinity of phosphor root partVSAvoidlight scattering at root part
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the surface energy of the resin layer within a specific range (20-35 mN/m) to improve the crystallinity of the phosphor root part. This parameter optimization prevents crystal growth abnormalities and reduces light scattering, thereby resolving the contradiction between forming the phosphor layer and maintaining high crystallinity at the root part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-treating the resin layer surface to achieve the desired surface energy before phosphor vapor deposition. This preliminary surface preparation ensures that when the phosphor is deposited, the root part crystallizes properly without deterioration, preventing light scattering issues before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If phosphor is vapor-deposited on resin layer, then phosphor layer is formed, but optical output decreases due to root part crystallinity deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystallinity of phosphor root partVSAvoidoptical output
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the surface energy parameter of the resin layer (20-35 mN/m) to ensure proper crystallization of the phosphor root part during vapor deposition. This parameter control maintains high crystallinity throughout the phosphor layer, including the root part, thereby preserving optical output and preventing the degradation that would otherwise occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If phosphor is vapor-deposited on resin layer, then phosphor layer is formed, but resolution decreases due to root part crystallinity deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystallinity of phosphor root partVSAvoidresolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the surface energy parameter of the resin layer within 20-35 mN/m to maintain uniform crystallinity in the phosphor root part. This uniform crystalline structure reduces light scattering and maintains sharp image boundaries, thereby preserving resolution that would otherwise deteriorate due to root part crystallinity issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 specified surface energy and vapor deposition process improve the crystallinity of the phosphor's root part, resulting in increased optical output and resolution by inhibiting light scattering and maintaining pillar form columnar crystals, thereby enhancing the panel's performance.

Implementation Method 1

a phosphor formed by vapor deposition on a main face of the heat-resistant resin layer on a side opposite from the fiber optic plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

a scintillator (phosphor) formed by vapor deposition on the resin layer and made of a columnar crystal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 3

scintillation light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLuminescence: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentEP3220392B1Radiation image conversion panel
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP3220392B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3220392B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3220392B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A radiation image conversion panel which can improve its optical output and resolution is provided. A radiation image conversion panel 1 comprises a FOP 2, a heat-resistant resin layer 3 formed on a main face 2a of the FOP 2, and a scintillator 4 formed by vapor deposition on a main face 3a of the heat-resistant layer 3 on a side opposite from the FOP 2 and made of a columnar crystal. In this radiation image conversion panel 1, the main face 3a of the heat-resistant resin layer 3 has a surface energy of at least 20 [mN/m] but less than 35 [mN/m]. This can make the crystallinity of the root part of the scintillator 4 favorable, so as to inhibit the root part of the scintillator 4 from becoming harder to transmit and easier to scatter the output light.