Scintillator Panel Resin Layer Color Material Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Scintillator panels face challenges in easily changing optical output and resolution characteristics during manufacturing, leading to high costs and potential performance degradation due to moisture exposure.

Innovation Solution

The scintillator panel design allows for easy modification of light reflectance and absorptance by varying the color material in the resin layer, with a double organic film structure providing moisture protection to extend panel life and improve performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the scintillator panel structure is designed to allow easy change of characteristics, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of changing characteristicsVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the protective function from the characteristic-defining function by introducing a separate resin layer containing color materials. This allows the scintillator panel to be divided into functional modules: the scintillator layer for light generation, the resin layer for optical characteristic control via color materials, and protective films for environmental protection. This segmentation enables independent optimization and modification of each layer, facilitating easy characteristic changes without redesigning the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by incorporating color materials into the resin layer to control optical characteristics. By varying the type, concentration, and distribution of color materials (such as dyes or pigments), the optical output and resolution characteristics can be adjusted without changing the fundamental panel structure. This parameter-based approach allows flexible customization of panel characteristics for different applications while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If protective films are added to prevent moisture damage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture protectionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible thin film protective layers (first and second protective films) on opposite sides of the scintillator panel. These thin films provide moisture and environmental protection while maintaining optical transparency and minimizing impact on the panel's overall structure. The flexible film approach allows effective environmental sealing without requiring bulky protective housings or complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The resin layer serving as both an optical characteristic control medium (through color materials) and a protective barrier against moisture demonstrates multi-functionality. Additionally, the protective films serve dual purposes: environmental protection and structural integrity maintenance. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

3Illumination intensity

If the first organic film is made thinner to reduce light scattering, then optical output is improved, but moisture protection capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical outputVSAvoidmoisture protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective function is segmented between two separate films: the first protective film (thin) optimized for optical transparency and minimal light scattering, and the second protective film (thicker) optimized for moisture protection. This segmentation allows each film to be optimized for its specific function without compromise - the thin first film maintains high optical output while the thicker second film provides adequate moisture barrier protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resin layer containing color materials acts as an intermediary between the thin first protective film and the scintillator layer. It provides additional environmental protection to the scintillator while allowing optical characteristic control. This intermediary layer compensates for the reduced protection capability of the thinner first protective film, maintaining overall reliability without sacrificing optical output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 reduces manufacturing costs and enhances the scintillator panel's performance by preventing moisture damage and maintaining optical output and resolution characteristics, thereby extending the panel's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

a scintillator which converts a radiation into light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Implementation Method 2

a first organic film which functions as a moisture-proof protective film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment through organic film barrier: Parylene

Implementation Method 3

a second organic film which is formed on the resin layer... can prevent the resin layer from peeling off

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment through organic film barrier: Parylene

Implementation Method 4

the resin layer contains a color material... change the light reflectance and absorptance in the resin layer by varying the color material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2579267B1Scintillator panel, and radiographic image sensor
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP2579267B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2579267B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2579267B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A scintillator panel 1 and a radiation image sensor 10 in which characteristics can be changed easily at the time of manufacture are provided. The scintillator panel 1 comprises a scintillator 3 having an entrance surface 3a for a radiation; a FOP 2, arranged on an opposite side of the scintillator 3 from the entrance surface 3a, for transmitting the light generated by the scintillator 3; and a resin layer 5, formed from a resin containing a color material on the entrance surface 3a side of the scintillator 3, for performing at least one of absorption and reflection of the light generated by the scintillator 3.