X-ray Camera with Capillary Objective and Pixelated Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray detection systems are limited to spatial information and intensity detection, lacking simultaneous spatial, energy, and time resolution, which is necessary for advanced medical and analytical applications.
Innovation Solution
An x-ray camera equipped with a capillary structure and a two-dimensional pixilated semiconductor sensor, such as a pn-CCD or SDD, allowing for simultaneous spatial, energy, and time resolution, enabling the capture of x-ray images with spectral information at each pixel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional x-ray detection systems are used, then spatial information and intensity detection are achieved, but simultaneous spatial, energy, and time resolution is not obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional single-dimensional detection to multi-dimensional detection by implementing a two-dimensional pixelated semiconductor sensor that simultaneously measures spatial position (x, y coordinates) and energy (via charge signal amplitude). This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous spatial and spectral resolution without requiring multiple separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameters by using a semiconductor sensor that converts x-ray photon energy into electrical charge signals. The charge signal amplitude directly corresponds to the incident photon energy, enabling energy resolution. Combined with position-sensitive anode wires for spatial resolution, this parameter transformation achieves multi-parameter detection simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If compact x-ray optics are used, then spatial resolution is improved, but detection of spectral information at each pixel is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is segmented into a two-dimensional pixelated structure where each pixel independently measures both spatial position and photon energy. This segmentation allows parallel measurement of spectral information at every spatial location, eliminating the information loss that occurs with traditional integrated detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The pixelated semiconductor sensor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a position-sensitive detector for spatial resolution, an energy-resolving spectrometer for spectral analysis, and a timing device for event registration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection systems for spatial and spectral information.
3Measurement precision
If sequential scanning with single sensor is used, then spatial resolution is achieved, but time efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-dimensional pixelated sensor array that captures the entire field of view simultaneously, transitioning from sequential point-by-point scanning to parallel area detection. This dimensional approach enables complete images to be acquired in a single exposure, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining spatial resolution through the pixelated structure.
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 x-ray camera achieves high-intensity resolution and spectral analysis of x-ray radiation, improving image quality and efficiency by capturing detailed spatial and spectral data simultaneously, overcoming the limitations of previous detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray objective (10) having an objective housing (14) with a capillary structure (15) for the x-rays
Implementation Method 2
a two-dimensional pixilated semiconductor sensor for simultaneous spatial, energy and time resolution
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray camera includes a camera housing, an image pickup element which is sensitive at least for X-rays, and an X-ray objective. The X-ray objective lens has a capillary structure and the image pickup element is constructed as a two-dimensional pixilated semiconductor sensor for simultaneous spatial, energy and time resolution.