Stacked X-ray Gamma Detector with Interlayer Collimator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dual-mode radiation detectors for simultaneous x-ray and gamma photon imaging are inefficient, requiring multiple image acquisitions and complex reconstruction due to the lack of a collimator, leading to time-consuming and cumbersome imaging processes.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode radiation detector with a collimator placed between the x-ray and gamma photon detector layers, allowing for simultaneous imaging at a single stationary acquisition position, utilizing a collimator that selectively transmits gamma photons from a region of interest, and an x-ray filter layer transparent to gamma photons, enabling quicker and simpler image fusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a dual-mode radiation detector without a collimator is used, then the detector structure is simpler, but multiple image acquisitions and complex reconstruction are required
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into distinct functional layers: an x-ray detector layer for detecting x-ray photons and a gamma photon detector layer for detecting gamma photons, with a collimator positioned between them. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, enabling simultaneous dual-mode imaging without requiring complex motion or reconstruction procedures.
2Volume of moving object
If a dual-mode radiation detector without a collimator is used, then the device is more compact, but the imaging process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The collimator is positioned in the spatial dimension between the x-ray detector layer and the gamma photon detector layer, creating a three-dimensional stacked configuration. This dimensional arrangement allows the collimator to selectively transmit gamma photons from specific directions while maintaining a compact overall detector volume, enabling simultaneous imaging without time loss.
3Measurement precision
If detectors are offset to one another, then both detectors can acquire images of the same region, but the detectors cannot have the same orientation with respect to the region of interest
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of offsetting detectors laterally in the same plane, the solution stacks the x-ray detector and gamma photon detector in the depth dimension (z-direction), with the collimator positioned between them. This three-dimensional arrangement allows both detectors to face the same region of interest with identical orientations, simplifying image alignment and fusion while maintaining precise measurement capability.
4Device complexity
If sequential imaging is used, then x-ray and gamma photon images can be acquired separately, but significant movement occurs during acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The stacked detector configuration enables continuous simultaneous detection of both x-ray and gamma photon radiation from the same region of interest. The x-ray detector layer and gamma photon detector layer operate concurrently without interruption, eliminating motion artifacts that occur during sequential imaging while maintaining a relatively simple imaging process.
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 quicker and simpler acquisition of fused x-ray and gamma photon images by allowing simultaneous detection at a single stationary position, reducing the need for complex motion and reconstruction, and providing a compact detector arrangement suitable for various imaging applications.
Implementation Method 1
The collimator is a plate or body with parallel sides that only transmits part of the incident gamma photon flux
Implementation Method 2
In X-ray imaging an x-ray detector, e.g. a scintillator, detects x-ray radiation from an x-ray source
Implementation Method 3
A gamma detector detects the gamma photons that arise from the decay of said radio-active isotope
Implementation Method 4
an x-ray filter layer arranged between the x-ray detector layer and the collimator, said filter layer being transparent to gamma photons
Data Source
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AI summary
A dual mode radiation detector comprising an x-ray detector layer to convert incident x-ray radiation into x-ray electrical data, said x-ray detector forming an incident face of said dual mode radiation detector, a collimator disposed below the x-ray detector layer, and a gamma photon detector layer disposed below the collimator to convert incident gamma photons into gamma photon electrical data.