Solid State Semiconductor Detector Segmentation for Proton CT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proton computed tomography (CT) systems face limitations in energy resolution and efficiency due to the use of range telescopes with low numbers of scintillating planes and thick silicon strip detectors, leading to false events and prolonged scan times, making them unsuitable for precise proton therapy.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a plurality of solid state semiconductor detector devices spaced along the particle path with absorber portions between detector devices to absorb energy, allowing for efficient detection of particle energy and trajectory determination, enhancing energy resolution and reducing scan time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If range telescopes with low numbers of scintillating planes and thick silicon strip detectors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to false events and poor energy resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is segmented into multiple thin silicon strip detector layers (at least 3 layers) spaced apart along the particle trajectory, replacing a single thick detector. This segmentation allows particles to be tracked through multiple detection planes, reducing false events while maintaining excellent energy resolution through precise position and energy measurement at each plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds the spatial dimension by introducing multiple detector planes separated by distances of several centimeters, creating a three-dimensional detection volume. This dimensional expansion enables precise trajectory reconstruction and energy measurement by detecting particle positions and energy deposits at multiple spatial locations, significantly improving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If thick silicon strip detectors are used, then detection efficiency is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to increased false events
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single thick detector that generates false events, the system segments detection into multiple thin detector layers. Each thin layer has low false event rates, and the combination of signals from multiple layers provides robust particle identification and trajectory reconstruction, maintaining high detection efficiency while eliminating false events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple detector planes to verify particle trajectories and energy measurements. By requiring consistent signals across multiple spaced-apart detector layers, the system confirms genuine particle events while rejecting false events, thereby maintaining high detection efficiency with improved measurement precision.
3Device complexity
If conventional detector systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to prolonged scan times
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary particle trajectory reconstruction and energy measurement simultaneously across multiple detector planes during a single particle passage. By pre-establishing the detection geometry with multiple spaced detector layers and performing parallel measurements, the system accelerates data acquisition and reduces total scan time while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple detector planes continuously detect particles along their trajectory without requiring sequential measurements. This continuous detection across spaced detector layers enables rapid particle tracking and energy measurement, significantly reducing scan time while the modular detector design keeps device complexity manageable.
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 system provides improved energy resolution and detection efficiency, enabling faster and more accurate proton tracking, which is crucial for precise proton therapy and CT imaging.
Implementation Method 1
at least one absorber portion provided upstream of at least one detector device with respect to a direction of travel of particles, the absorber portion being configured to absorb at least a portion of an energy of a particle
Implementation Method 2
the detector devices each being configured to generate an electrical signal indicative of passage of radiation through or absorption of radiation by the device
Data Source
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AI summary
Some embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for detecting particles of radiation comprising: a plurality of solid state semiconductor detector devices provided at spaced apart locations along a beam axis, the detector devices each being configured to generate an electrical signal indicative of passage of a particle through or absorption of a particle by the device; and at least one absorber portion configured to absorb at least a portion of an energy of a particle, wherein one said at least one absorber portion is provided in a particle path between at least one pair of adjacent detector devices, the apparatus being configured to provide an output signal indicative of the energy of a particle, the output signal provided being dependent on the electrical signals indicative of passage of a particle through or absorption of a particle by the devices.