Scintillator Activator Gradient for X-ray Image Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray image detection apparatuses face challenges in achieving sufficient luminescence and Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) due to high activator density leading to crystallinity disorders and light absorption, which results in image quality issues and potential damage during the pasting process.

Innovation Solution

A radiological image detection apparatus with a scintillator having a high activator density region closer to the photodetector and a low activator density region on the opposite side, optimized through controlled doping density distribution during vapor deposition, to enhance luminescence and maintain crystallinity, thereby improving image sensitivity and definition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the activator density is increased in the scintillator to enhance luminescence, then the amount of luminescence increases, but the crystallinity deteriorates and MTF decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of luminescenceVSAvoidcrystallinity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform activator density distribution within the scintillator. Specifically, the activator density is made higher in the light emission region (near the photodetector) and lower in the light propagation region (farther from the photodetector). This localized variation optimizes luminescence output where needed while preserving crystallinity in regions where high activator density would cause disorder and light scattering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the activator density is increased to improve sensitivity, then luminescence increases, but light absorption increases and MTF deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidlight absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by spatially varying the activator density to different regions of the scintillator. The high activator density is concentrated in the light emission region close to the photodetector where sensitivity is most needed, while the light propagation region maintains lower activator density to minimize light absorption and scattering, thereby preserving MTF.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If the temperature of the support is controlled during vapor deposition to flatten crystal front ends, then crystal damage is avoided, but thermal deformation such as warp occurs in the support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystal strengthVSAvoidsupport flatness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the vapor deposition process parameters, particularly the substrate temperature and deposition rate. By optimizing these parameters, the patent achieves formation of scintillator crystals with flat front ends that are resistant to damage during pasting, while avoiding excessive thermal deformation of the support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If the scintillator is pressed against the sensor board sufficiently in the pasting step to ensure uniform adhesion, then image uniformity improves, but crystal front end portions may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion uniformityVSAvoidcrystal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-forming the scintillator crystals with flat front ends during the vapor deposition process. This preliminary shaping of the crystal structure before the pasting step ensures that the crystals can withstand the pressing forces applied during adhesion without damage, while still achieving uniform contact with the sensor board.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively increases luminescence and maintains crystallinity, resulting in high sensitivity and high-definition X-ray image detection with reduced costs and improved durability of the scintillator.

Implementation Method 1

an indirect conversion system in which X-rays are once converted into visible light by a scintillator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

the converted light is converted into electric charges by a semiconductor layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

Addition of an activator to a host of a fluorescent material is known as a method for enhancing the amount of luminescence of the scintillator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLuminescence enhancement through activator doping: Luminescence

Data Source

PatentUS8735841B2Radiological image detection apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2014.05.27 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US8735841B2 patent drawing
  • US8735841B2 patent drawing
  • US8735841B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A radiological image detection apparatus includes: a scintillator which is formed out of a group of columnar crystals in which crystals of a fluorescent material emitting fluorescence when irradiated with radiation have grown into columnar shapes; and a photodetector which is provided on a radiation entrance side of the scintillator and which detects the fluorescence emitted by the scintillator as an electric signal. A high activator density region whose activator density is higher than activator density of a region on an opposite side to the radiation entrance side in the scintillator is provided and disposed on the photodetector side in the scintillator.