Tuned Resistors in PET Scanner Light Sensor Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variations in resistor values in light sensor arrays used in PET scanners lead to inaccurate determination of photon incidence, causing inconsistent output signals and affecting image accuracy in medical imaging devices.
Innovation Solution
Tuning the resistance level of resistors in detection circuits to ensure they are substantially the same, typically within ±5% or ±1% of the average resistance, ensuring consistent output signals from each detection circuit, which are additive and accurate in approximating photon incidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If resistors are used in detection circuits with wide range of resistance values, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to inaccurate photon determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting the resistance values of resistors in detection circuits to fall within a specified range (e.g., ±5% or ±1% of average resistance). This standardization of the resistance parameter ensures consistent output signals from different detection circuits, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of manufacture through controlled parameter variation.
2Reliability
If resistor values are standardized within tight tolerances, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by defining and enforcing specific resistance value ranges for resistors in detection circuits. By controlling the resistance parameter to fall within tight tolerances (e.g., ±1% of average), the patent improves reliability and consistency of output signals while managing device complexity through systematic parameter standardization rather than complex circuit designs.
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
This approach results in precise approximation of photon numbers incident on the pixel, enhancing the accuracy of PET scanner imaging by standardizing the output signals across detection circuits.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pixels includes one or more detection circuits that each has a resistor connected in series with an avalanche photodiode. During operation of the device, each detection circuit provides an output signal in response to the avalanche photodiode in that detection circuit receiving a photon.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a light sensor array includes tuning a resistance level of a plurality of resistors. The resistors are included in a light sensor array for use with a positron emissision tomography (PET) scanner system. The light sensor array includes detection circuits that each includes one of the resistors connected in series with an avalanche photodiode.