Segmented Scintillator Module with Photon-Absorbing Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current manufacturing technologies for high-density scintillator crystals like BGO, LSO, and LYSO are limited in producing large-format plates without defects, leading to reduced spatial resolution and sensitivity in radiographic imaging devices, especially for penetrating radiation, where thicker scintillators are needed to capture sufficient radiation while maintaining image quality.
Innovation Solution
A scintillator module composed of assembled plates of scintillating crystals with connecting means that absorb light photons, minimizing the impact of joint planes and allowing for larger, defect-free formats, combined with a structuring frame for mechanical stability and optical coupling to an image sensor, optimizing light collection and reducing diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of the scintillator is increased to capture sufficient radiation and improve sensitivity, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the spatial resolution degrades due to energy deposit spreading
Solution Approach 1:
The scintillator is divided into multiple plates of identical dimensions that are assembled together to form a larger scintillator module. Each plate maintains thin thickness for good spatial resolution, while the assembly of multiple plates achieves the required total thickness for high sensitivity and radiation capture efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If the format of the scintillator is increased to cover larger imaging area, then the imaging coverage improves, but manufacturing defects increase and spatial resolution degrades
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing a single large scintillator plate that would be prone to defects and have degraded resolution, the scintillator is segmented into multiple smaller plates of identical, manufacturable dimensions. These plates are assembled to form the required large imaging area while maintaining high manufacturing precision and spatial resolution in each segment.
3Area of stationary object
If connecting means are introduced to assemble scintillator plates, then large-format production becomes possible, but light diffusion at joint planes increases and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting means, which would normally cause light diffusion and image quality deterioration, are designed to absorb light photons. This converts the harmful light diffusion effect into a beneficial absorption effect, minimizing the impact of joint planes on image quality while still enabling the assembly of large-format scintillator modules.
4Reliability
If thicker scintillator plates are used to improve radiation capture for penetrating radiation, then detection efficiency improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than manufacturing a single thick scintillator plate that would be difficult to produce, the scintillator is segmented into multiple thin plates of identical, easy-to-manufacture dimensions. These plates are assembled to achieve the required total thickness for high detection efficiency in penetrating radiation applications.
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 enables the production of large-format, high-sensitivity, and well-resolved radiographic imaging devices with reduced diffusion at joint planes, improving signal-to-noise ratio and spatial resolution without increasing costs, while maintaining uniform sensitivity across the imaging surface.
Implementation Method 1
the ionizing radiation deposits energy in the scintillator, which releases it in the form of light detected by the electronic image sensor
Implementation Method 2
connecting means that absorb light photons, minimizing the impact of joint planes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A scintillator (2) for an imaging device comprises a first plate (4) of a first material capable of emitting photons (Φ) depending on incident radiation (R). The scintillator comprises at least one second plate (5) of a second material capable of emitting photons (Φ) depending on the incident radiation (R). The plates (4) and the block (5) are joined at respective edges of the plates by means of connecting elements (6) that absorb all or part of the photons (Φ) emitted by the plate and the block (4, 5). The edges are optically polished. A module with such a scintillator and a method for manufacturing a scintillator are also proposed.