Radiation Phase Change Detection Using Scintillator and Optical Grating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation imaging methods using X-ray Talbot-Lau interferometers require expensive absorption gratings and additional components like optical diffraction gratings, which are costly and complex, and struggle to directly resolve self-images due to limited detector capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A radiation phase change detection method utilizing a phase grating, scintillator, and two-dimensional optical image pickup element, where the image pickup element samples interference fringes rather than the self-image, eliminating the need for absorption or optical diffraction gratings by adjusting the pixel pitch and arrangement to achieve desired imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an absorption grating is used in the Talbot-Lau interferometer, then phase change imaging is achieved, but the cost increases significantly due to gold plating and semiconductor processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the absorption grating component from the Talbot-Lau interferometer system. By using only a phase grating combined with a scintillator and optical diffraction grating, the system achieves phase change imaging without requiring the expensive absorption grating made with gold plating and semiconductor processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a scintillator to convert X-rays into visible light, creating an optical copy of the radiation pattern. This optical image is then processed by an optical diffraction grating, replacing the need for direct X-ray interaction with absorption gratings. The scintillator effectively copies the radiation information into the optical domain where cheaper components can be used
2Ease of manufacture
If an optical diffraction grating is added to the detector system, then the need for absorption grating is eliminated, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The scintillator serves multiple functions: it converts X-rays to visible light, acts as a coupling medium between the phase grating and optical diffraction grating, and enables the system to function without an absorption grating. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The scintillator acts as an intermediary that bridges the X-ray domain and the optical domain. It converts the radiation pattern into visible light that can be manipulated by the optical diffraction grating, enabling the elimination of the absorption grating while maintaining system functionality
3Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional radiation detector with small pixel pitch is used, then the self-image period can be resolved, but the cost and complexity of the detector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the problem from the X-ray domain to the optical domain using a scintillator. By converting X-rays to visible light and using an optical diffraction grating, the system creates Moire fringes that can be resolved by detectors with coarser pixel pitches, effectively moving the resolution problem to a different dimensional space where cheaper detectors suffice
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 method generates and detects phase changes in interference fringes without the need for expensive gratings, enabling efficient and cost-effective radiation phase change imaging with improved resolution and reduced noise, applicable to various radiations like X-rays, γ-rays, and neutron rays.
Implementation Method 1
a phase grating configured to cause interference in the radiation radiated by a radiation source
Implementation Method 2
a scintillator configured to convert the radiation into light
Implementation Method 3
an optical diffraction grating that acts on visible light, which is obtained by converting the X-ray once by a scintillator
Implementation Method 4
Moire fringes, which are generated as a result and form a pattern having a period that is larger than that of the self-image
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation phase change detection method includes: arranging a two-dimensional optical image pickup element, which includes a scintillator, so that, when a period of a self-image generated through a phase grating is defined as D1, and a pixel pitch of the two-dimensional optical image pickup element is defined as D2=kD1, k falls in a range of ½<k≤3/2, and so that interference fringes formed by D1 and D2 depending on a relationship in arrangement of the two-dimensional optical image pickup element with respect to the self-image have a period of 2 times D2 or more and 100 times D2 or less; acquiring images of the interference fringes before and after insertion of an object; and outputting an image on a phase change of the radiation caused by at least the object.