Semiconductor Radiation Detector Platform for Human Body Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiation detectors for imaging, such as photographic plates, films, and image intensifiers, face challenges in spatial resolution and real-time image production, while semiconductor detectors overcome these issues but require complex setups.
Innovation Solution
A platform with two layers of radiation detectors, each with a radiation absorption layer made of silicon or GaAs, configured to detect beta or gamma rays, with a processor to determine the spatial distribution of the radiation source inside the human body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If scintillators are used to detect radiation, then radiation absorption is improved, but spatial resolution deteriorates due to light spreading and scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light spreading and scattering problem by removing the scintillator material from the detection system. Instead of converting radiation to light (which then spreads), the invention uses semiconductor detectors that directly convert radiation to electrical signals, eliminating the intermediate light conversion step that causes spatial resolution degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical-mechanical conversion system (radiation → light → electrical signal via photomultiplier) with a direct electrical conversion system (radiation → electrical signal via semiconductor). This substitution eliminates the light propagation path that causes scattering and spatial resolution loss while maintaining radiation detection capability.
2Speed
If radiation image intensifiers are used, then real-time image production is achieved, but device complexity increases due to vacuum sealing and multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex vacuum-sealed intensifier tube structure from the system. Instead of using a sealed vacuum tube with input phosphor, photocathode, and output phosphor, the invention uses solid-state semiconductor detectors that operate at atmospheric pressure, eliminating the need for vacuum sealing and complex internal component arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from vacuum environment to atmospheric pressure operation. Semiconductor detectors can function directly in air without requiring vacuum sealing, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining real-time detection capability through direct electrical signal generation.
3Measurement precision
If semiconductor radiation detectors are used, then spatial resolution is improved, but device complexity increases compared to traditional detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task into two segments: a first layer of semiconductor detectors for primary radiation detection and a second layer for additional detection angles. This segmentation allows each detector to be simpler in design while the combined system achieves high spatial resolution through multiple detection perspectives, distributing the complexity across multiple simpler components rather than one complex detector.
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
Enables efficient detection and imaging of radiation sources within the human body, improving spatial resolution and allowing for real-time image production without the need for post-exposure processing.
Implementation Method 1
Semiconductor radiation detectors largely overcome this problem by direct conversion of radiation into electric signals. A semiconductor radiation detector may include a semiconductor layer that absorbs radiation in wavelengths of interest. When a particle of radiation is absorbed in the semiconductor layer, multiple charge carriers (e.g., electrons and holes) are generated and swept under an electric field towards electric contacts on the semiconductor layer.
Implementation Method 2
Scintillators operate somewhat similarly to radiation image intensifiers in that scintillators (e.g., sodium iodide) absorb radiation and emit visible light, which can then be detected by a suitable image sensor for visible light.
Implementation Method 3
radiation first hits an input phosphor (e.g., cesium iodide) and is converted to visible light
Implementation Method 4
The visible light then hits a photocathode (e.g., a thin metal layer containing cesium and antimony compounds) and causes emission of electrons. The number of emitted electrons is proportional to the intensity of the incident radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus, comprising: a platform configured to support a human body on a first surface of the platform; a first set of radiation detectors arranged in a first layer, wherein the radiation detectors of the first set are attached to a second surface of the platform opposite the first surface; wherein the radiation detectors of the first set are configured to detect radiation from a radiation source inside the human body.