Transparent Electrode for X-ray Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray radiation detectors use non-transparent electrodes that shield the semiconductor from additional radiation, leading to reduced X-ray detection efficiency and increased patient dose due to high absorption effects.
Innovation Solution
A transparent and electrically conductive electrode composed of multiple layers, including a contact layer, intermediate layer with embedded filling elements, TCO layer, and support protection layer, is attached to the semiconductor, allowing additional radiation to penetrate and minimizing absorption of X-ray radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-transparent electrodes are used to connect the semiconductor to the high voltage source, then electrical conductivity is achieved, but the semiconductor is shielded from additional radiation and X-ray absorption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode material's optical parameter (transparency) is changed from non-transparent to transparent while maintaining electrical conductivity through the use of transparent conducting oxides (TCO) such as ITO, FTO, or AZO, allowing additional radiation to pass through to the semiconductor
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is constructed as a composite structure combining transparent conducting oxide layers with metal finger electrodes, creating a material composition that simultaneously provides electrical conductivity and optical transparency for radiation detection
2Reliability
If conventional electrodes are used, then electrical connection is established, but absorption effect for X-ray radiation is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode material is changed from conventional opaque metals to transparent conducting oxides with lower atomic numbers, reducing the absorption coefficient for X-ray radiation while maintaining sufficient electrical conductivity for detector operation
3Loss of energy
If transparent electrode materials are used to reduce absorption, then X-ray detection efficiency improves, but electrical conductivity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode combines transparent conducting oxide layers (providing transparency and base conductivity) with metal finger electrodes (providing enhanced conductivity pathways), creating a composite structure that achieves both low X-ray absorption and sufficient electrical conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is segmented into multiple conductive fingers made of transparent conducting oxide or metal, creating distributed conductivity pathways that maintain electrical performance while preserving transparency for radiation detection
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 transparent electrode design enhances X-ray detection efficiency by allowing more radiation to reach the semiconductor while maintaining conductivity, resulting in improved image quality with reduced artifacts and lower patient dose.
Implementation Method 1
semiconductor used to detect X-ray radiation
Implementation Method 2
irradiate the semiconductor used for detection with an additional radiation to produce additional charge carriers. Infrared, ultraviolet or visible radiation by way of example is used as additional radiation
Implementation Method 3
The applied high voltage generates an electric field inside the material of the semiconductor which enables movement of the generated charge carriers with respect to the electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A direct-converting x-ray radiation detector is disclosed for detecting x-ray radiation, at least including a semiconductor used to detect x-ray radiation and at least one electrode attached to the semiconductor. In an embodiment, the semiconductor and the at least one electrode are electrically conductively connected and the at least one electrode is designed to be transparent and electrically conductive. A CT system is further disclosed, at least including the direct-converting x-ray radiation detector.