X-ray Fluorescence Detector Pixel Array Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray fluorescence detectors face limitations in speed due to the need to collect charge carriers generated by one incoming X-ray photon before the next photon is detected, which restricts the efficiency of energy-dispersive analysis.
Innovation Solution
A detector comprising a plurality of pixels, each configured to count X-ray photons within specific energy bins, with a controller that sums counts from all pixels for the same energy range, and includes voltage comparators and counters to manage the detection process efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If charge carriers are collected sequentially before the next photon is detected, then measurement precision is maintained, but detection speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple independent pixels arranged in an array, where each pixel operates independently to detect X-ray photons. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple photons simultaneously, eliminating the sequential collection limitation and significantly improving detection speed while maintaining measurement precision through individual pixel counting.
2Productivity
If multiple X-ray photons are counted simultaneously, then detection speed is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Each pixel in the array is equipped with its own counter and energy binning capability, allowing independent and simultaneous counting of photons across different energy ranges. This segmented approach enables parallel photon detection without interference, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically increasing the photon counting rate and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector introduces a spatial dimension by arranging multiple pixels in an array, transforming a single-dimensional sequential detection process into a multi-dimensional parallel detection system. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous measurement of multiple photons at different energies without compromising precision, as each pixel independently processes its photon events.
3Device complexity
If a single large area detector is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large area detector with complex internal structures, the invention segments the detection area into multiple independent pixels. Each pixel functions as a simple, identical detection unit with its own counter and energy binning capability. This segmentation achieves both simplicity in device structure and high productivity in detection efficiency through parallel operation of multiple units.
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 solution enables faster and more efficient energy-dispersive analysis by allowing multiple X-ray photons to be counted simultaneously across different energy bins, improving the speed and accuracy of X-ray fluorescence detection.
Implementation Method 1
an incoming X-ray photon ionizes a large number of detector atoms with the amount of charge carriers produced being proportional to the energy of the incoming X-ray photon
Implementation Method 2
a first voltage comparator configured to compare a voltage of the electric contact to a first threshold
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a detector (100), comprising: a plurality of pixels (150), each pixel (150) configured to count numbers of X-ray photons incident thereon whose energy (151) falls in a plurality of bins (153A,153B,153C), within a period of time; and wherein the detector (100) is configured to add the numbers of X-ray photons for the bins (153A,153B,153C) of the same energy range counted by all the pixels (150). Each of the pixels (150) may comprise an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (306) configured to digitize an analog signal representing the energy (151) of an incident X-ray photon into a digital signal. The pixels (150) may be able to operate in parallel. Each of the pixels (150) may be able to measure its dark current, such as before or concurrently with each X-ray photon incident thereon.