Reflector for Radiation Detector with Selective Afterglow Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radiographic detectors face issues with afterglow signals from scintillators, which persist for extended periods and cause artifacts in reconstructed images due to varying wavelengths that linger longer than others.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an absorbing material within a reflector to selectively absorb specific wavelengths of the afterglow emitted by the scintillator, reducing the persistence of longer-lasting afterglow photons and minimizing artifacts in images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a scintillator is used to convert X-ray radiation to optical photons, then detection efficiency is improved, but afterglow artifacts are introduced due to persistent emission of optical photons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidafterglow artifacts

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the 'Blessing in disguise' principle by using the scintillator's afterglow emission, which is normally harmful, to improve detection efficiency. The reflector redirects the afterglow photons toward the photodetector layer, converting this harmful persistent emission into useful detection signals, thereby reducing artifacts while maintaining or improving detection efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector acts as an intermediary element between the scintillator and the photodetector layer. It mediates the interaction by redirecting optical photons from the scintillator toward the photodetector, controlling the path and direction of light to minimize afterglow artifacts while preserving useful signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a reflector is added to redirect optical photons, then image quality is improved by reducing afterglow artifacts, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddetector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects optical photons from the scintillator toward the photodetector layer to improve signal detection, and selectively absorbs harmful afterglow wavelengths to reduce artifacts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reflector is constructed using composite materials that combine reflective properties with selective absorption capabilities. This allows a single component to perform both light redirection and wavelength-selective absorption, improving image quality while minimizing additional structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 absorbing materials within the reflector effectively suppress the longer persisting afterglow wavelengths, leading to improved image quality by reducing artifacts and enhancing the accuracy of radiographic imaging systems.

Implementation Method 1

a scintillator layer configured to absorb radiation emitted from a radiation source and to emit optical photons in response to the absorbed radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

a photodetector layer configured to absorb the optical photons emitted by the scintillator layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a reflector configured to reflect the optical photons emitted by the scintillator layer towards the photodetector layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

The reflector includes at least one absorbing material configured to absorb select wavelengths of optical photons associated with an afterglow emitted by the scintillator layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS9268038B2Reflector for radiation detector

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A radiation detector includes a scintillator layer configured to absorb radiation emitted from a radiation source and to emit optical photons in response to the absorbed radiation. The radiation detector also includes a photodetector layer configured to absorb the optical photons emitted by the scintillator layer. The radiation detector further includes a reflector configured to reflect the optical photons emitted by the scintillator layer towards the photodetector layer and to absorb select wavelengths of optical photons associated with an afterglow emitted by the scintillator layer.