Scintillator Panel Barrier Rib Alignment for Radiation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation detection apparatuses with scintillator panels face challenges in achieving accurate alignment between the scintillator panel and photoelectric conversion elements, leading to decreased light-receiving efficiency and image sharpness due to positional misalignment and light leakage.

Innovation Solution

The radiation detection apparatus employs a scintillator panel with a penetration structure in the barrier ribs, allowing for precise alignment with photoelectric conversion elements by imaging the element pattern through the exposed barrier ribs, and utilizing alignment marks for coaxial coincidence during lamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If photolithography is used to form alignment marks, then alignment accuracy is improved, but process complexity and manufacturing restrictions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the alignment mark function from the display region by using the barrier rib structure itself as the alignment reference. The barrier rib pattern, which is already present on the scintillator panel, serves dual purposes: light blocking and alignment reference, eliminating the need for separate photolithography alignment marks and reducing process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier rib structure is given multiple functions: it blocks light between scintillator cells and simultaneously serves as an alignment reference for matching with photoelectric conversion elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment marks and simplifies the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If alignment marks are spaced apart for thick barrier ribs, then alignment can be performed, but alignment accuracy decreases due to camera optical axis misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment operabilityVSAvoidalignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from using spaced alignment marks in a two-dimensional plane to using the continuous barrier rib pattern that extends across the entire scintillator surface. This dimensional extension provides multiple reference points simultaneously, enabling accurate alignment without the optical axis misalignment issues that plague spaced mark systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If barrier ribs are made thick to prevent light leakage, then light blocking is improved, but alignment difficulty and accuracy loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight leakage preventionVSAvoidalignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The thick barrier rib structure serves dual purposes: effectively blocking light leakage between scintillator cells and providing a robust alignment reference pattern. The same physical structure that prevents light contamination also enables accurate alignment, eliminating the trade-off between light blocking and alignment accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If lamination is performed without post-check capability, then manufacturing is simpler, but positional misalignment cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidalignment verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier rib pattern visible through the scintillator panel provides immediate visual feedback during alignment and allows post-lamination verification. The pattern serves as a permanent reference that can be inspected at any stage to confirm proper alignment, enabling both simple manufacturing and reliability verification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach enables highly accurate alignment, reducing pixel pitch misalignment and enhancing light-receiving efficiency and image sharpness, while also allowing for post-lamination positional misalignment checks.

Implementation Method 1

a scintillator panel (2) including a scintillator layer (12) made of a fluorescent (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

the emitted light is converted into electrical signals by TFTs (thin film transistors) or CCDs (charge-coupled devices)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3451348B1Radiation detection device and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2025.02.05 TORAY INDUSTRIES INC
  • EP3451348B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3451348B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3451348B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a scintillator panel having a barrier rib structure, whereby opposing light-receiving substrates can be aligned with high precision and bonded with a photoelectric conversion element. A scintillator panel in which cells demarcated by lattice shaped barrier ribs formed on a sheet-shaped base member are filled with a phosphor for receiving radiation and emitting light, thereby configuring a pixel structure, the scintillator panel characterized by having portions in which the lattice-shaped barrier ribs are exposed on both a front surface and a back surface in a portion of a non-display region of the panel external periphery, the exposed parts being optically transparent.