Scintillator Array Reflective Layer Particle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scintillator arrays face challenges in improving optical output due to limitations in reflection efficiency, leading to increased manufacturing costs and decreased performance, particularly with the use of titanium oxide powder in adhesive layers.
Innovation Solution
A scintillator array design featuring a reflective layer with titanium oxide or tantalum oxide particles dispersed in a transparent resin, with controlled particle diameter and concentration to enhance reflection efficiency, integrated between scintillator blocks to improve optical output while maintaining mechanical strength and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a radiation shielding plate and adhesive layer containing titanium oxide powder are used between adjacent scintillator blocks, then reflection efficiency of visible light is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radiation shielding function and reflective layer function into a single integrated structure. The radiation shielding plate itself is formed with a reflective layer on its surface, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers containing titanium oxide powder. This integration maintains the reflection efficiency improvement while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation shielding plate is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides radiation shielding and acts as a reflective layer for visible light. By making the radiation shielding plate multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining optical performance.
2Illumination intensity
If fine particle titanium oxide powder is used in the adhesive layer, then reflection efficiency is improved, but the particles aggregate and decrease reflection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the titanium oxide powder from the adhesive layer formulation and applies it as a surface coating on the radiation shielding plate. This separation eliminates the aggregation problem that occurs when fine particles are mixed into the adhesive layer, while still achieving the desired reflection efficiency improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of incorporating titanium oxide particles into the adhesive layer, the patent uses a surface coating layer on the radiation shielding plate that replicates the reflective function. This coating approach maintains reflection efficiency without the aggregation issues inherent in particle-dispersed adhesive formulations.
3Measurement precision
If the number of channels is increased by downsizing X-ray detecting elements, then resolution is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the physical and chemical parameters of the reflective layer, such as particle size distribution, particle concentration, and layer thickness, to maximize reflection efficiency. By carefully controlling these parameters, the patent achieves improved optical output without requiring excessive manufacturing precision, thus enabling higher channel counts with manageable manufacturing complexity.
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 enhanced reflection efficiency results in improved optical output, reduced radiation exposure times, and increased examination accuracy in X-ray detectors and CT devices, while maintaining structural integrity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective layer part interposed between the adjacent scintillator blocks to integrate the plurality of scintillator blocks. The reflective layer part includes a transparent resin and reflective particles dispersed in the transparent resin. The reflective particles include at least one selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide particles and tantalum oxide particles
Implementation Method 2
a detector having a solid scintillator that emits visible light by excitation with X-rays
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
In one embodiment, a scintillator array includes a plurality of scintillator blocks, and a reflective layer part interposed between the adjacent scintillator blocks. The plurality of scintillator blocks are integrated by the reflective layer part. The reflective layer part includes reflective particles dispersed in a transparent resin. The reflective particles include at least one selected from among titanium oxide particles and tantalum oxide particles, and have a mean particle diameter of 2 µm or less. The number of the reflective particles existing per unit area of 5 µm×5 µm of the reflective layer part is in a range of 100 or more and 250 or less.