Rod Lens Array X-ray Detector Isolates Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray detector systems suffer from radiation damage to semiconductor components due to direct exposure to X-rays, leading to limited lifespan, high maintenance costs, and noise buildup, with scintillating materials not easily interchangeable for different energy ranges.
Innovation Solution
A radiation damage-resistant X-ray detector system utilizing a rod lens array to focus visible light from a scintillating material onto an image sensor array, isolating semiconductor components from X-ray exposure and allowing for easy material interchangeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image sensor array is placed directly in the X-ray path to detect X-rays, then X-ray detection efficiency is improved, but radiation damage to the semiconductor components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scintillation layer as an intermediary substance between the X-ray source and the image sensor array. This layer converts X-ray photons into visible light photons through scintillation, which the silicon-based image sensor can then detect without direct X-ray exposure. The intermediary transforms the harmful X-ray interaction into a safe optical detection process, resolving the contradiction between detection efficiency and radiation damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/electrical detection of X-rays by semiconductor materials with an optical detection mechanism. Instead of relying on the semiconductor to directly interact with and detect X-ray photons, the system uses optical photons to carry the X-ray information to the sensor, substituting a mechanical detection process with an optical one that spares the semiconductor from radiation damage.
2Reliability
If the scintillation layer is made thicker to absorb more X-ray photons, then X-ray absorption efficiency is improved, but visible light transmission to the image sensor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the scintillation layer to achieve the best compromise between X-ray absorption and visible light transmission. By carefully selecting and adjusting this physical parameter, the system maximizes X-ray photon capture while ensuring sufficient visible light reaches the image sensor, resolving the trade-off between absorption efficiency and transmission loss.
3Speed
If the image sensor array is continuously exposed to X-rays to maintain detection readiness, then detection responsiveness is improved, but radiation damage accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scintillation layer serves as a protective intermediary that allows the image sensor array to remain in the optical path without direct X-ray exposure. The sensor can stay ready for detection by monitoring visible light from the scintillation layer, maintaining responsiveness while the intermediary shields it from cumulative radiation damage that would otherwise shorten its operational lifespan.
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 system achieves long-term, low-cost, high-resolution X-ray detection with reduced radiation damage, enabling compact, portable, and adaptable X-ray scanning machines capable of handling different energy ranges.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray sensitive scintillating materials, such as the Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS or GADOX), CsI(TI) or CdWO4 have been used. These materials greatly enhance the detection efficiency of higher energy X-rays in silicon based sensor arrays through the ability of the scintillating materials to scintillate and emit visible light photons proportional to the X-ray energy.
Implementation Method 2
The rod lens array is used to focus the visible light after the X-ray flux has been converted. The photon energy of the visible light is collected with a scanning image sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation damage resistant linear X-ray detector array system based on a unique focusing principle reduces or eliminates the X-ray radiation damage on the electrical components of the detector system. The system includes a layer of scintillating material, a rod lens array, and an array of image sensors. The layer of scintillating material, such as Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS or GADOX), CsI(TI), or CdWO4, is placed on an image plane and used to convert the impinging X-ray energies into visible light which can be detected efficiently by the image sensor array. The rod lens array is used to focus the visible light after the X-ray flux has been converted. The photon energy of the visible light is collected with a scanning image sensor array that converts the photon energy proportionally into electrical video signals and enables the signals to be processed using standard signal and image processing software and equipment.