Segmented High Voltage Electrodes for X-ray Detector Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
In X-ray computed tomography systems, high voltage electrodes can fail due to arc discharges caused by voltage drops when a large flux of X-rays exceeds the capability of the high voltage electrode to supply current, leading to potential failures in the detector modules.
Innovation Solution
The high voltage electrodes are divided into multiple partial electrodes in the channel direction, allowing independent voltage control to prevent voltage drops and arc discharges by synchronizing voltage adjustments across the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the high voltage electrode is divided into multiple partial electrodes, then the current supply capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high voltage electrode is divided into multiple partial electrodes in the channel direction, with each partial electrode independently supplied with high voltage. This segmentation increases the total current supply capability while distributing the electrical load across multiple independent units, resolving the contradiction between power capability and structural complexity.
2Productivity
If a large flux of X-rays enters the semiconductor crystal, then the X-ray detection capability is improved, but arc discharge occurs between adjacent high voltage electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the high voltage electrode into multiple partial electrodes that are independently controlled, the patent prevents arc discharge between adjacent electrodes even when large X-ray flux enters the crystal. Each partial electrode can be independently managed to maintain voltage stability, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and electrode reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements voltage monitoring for each partial electrode and controls the high voltage supply based on detected voltage changes. This feedback mechanism prevents arc discharge by maintaining stable voltage levels across all partial electrodes during high X-ray flux conditions, ensuring both detection capability and electrode stability.
3Productivity
If the high voltage electrode supplies current to the semiconductor crystal, then the charge collection efficiency is improved, but voltage drops occur when exceeding current capability
Solution Approach 1:
The high voltage electrode is segmented into multiple partial electrodes, each with independent current supply capability. This allows the system to handle larger total X-ray flux while maintaining voltage stability, as the current load is distributed across multiple independent units rather than a single electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic voltage control where the high voltage supply to each partial electrode is adjusted based on real-time voltage monitoring. When voltage drops are detected, the system responds by adjusting the voltage supply to maintain stability, resolving the contradiction between charge collection efficiency and voltage stability.
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 configuration enhances the current supply capability and reduces the likelihood of arc discharges, thereby preventing failures in the detector modules and ensuring stable operation during high X-ray flux conditions.
Implementation Method 1
When X-rays enter the semiconductor crystal, charges the amount of which corresponds to the flux of X-rays are generated in the semiconductor crystal
Implementation Method 2
A high voltage is applied to the high voltage electrode. The high voltage electrode is divided in the row direction because the capability of current supply to the semiconductor crystal is improved
Implementation Method 3
When the voltage drops, arc discharge may occur between adjacent high voltage electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a detector module includes a direct-conversion semiconductor crystal, a first electrode provided on a first surface side of the semiconductor crystal, and a plurality of second electrodes provided on a second surface side of the semiconductor crystal opposite to the first electrode with the semiconductor crystal therebetween. The first electrode includes a first partial electrode and a second partial electrode which are applied with a high voltage independently of each other and divided at least in a channel direction.