X-ray Detector Fiber Optic Face Plate Radiation Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray detector systems suffer from radiation damage to semiconductor components due to direct exposure to X-rays, leading to a limited useful lifetime, high maintenance costs, and degradation in system performance.
Innovation Solution
A radiation damage-resistant X-ray detector system utilizing a fiber optic face plate to isolate semiconductor components from X-ray exposure, maintaining high light collection efficiency and resolution while allowing flexibility in the optical path design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image sensor array is placed directly in the X-ray path to detect X-rays, then detection efficiency is improved, but radiation damage occurs to the semiconductor components
Solution Approach 1:
A fiber optic face plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the scintillation layer and the image sensor array. This face plate transfers optical signals from the scintillation layer to the image sensor while physically isolating the sensor from direct X-ray exposure, thus preventing radiation damage while maintaining detection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The image sensor array is extracted from the direct X-ray path and repositioned to receive only optical signals. The X-ray path is separated from the optical path through the fiber optic face plate, allowing the sensor to detect X-rays indirectly via scintillation without direct radiation exposure
2Use of energy by moving object
If the scintillation layer is placed directly on the image sensor array, then light collection efficiency is improved, but X-ray particles penetrate and cause radiation damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic face plate serves as a mediator between the scintillation layer and the image sensor. It transmits optical signals efficiently from the scintillation layer while blocking direct X-ray particles from reaching the sensor, thus maintaining light collection efficiency while preventing radiation damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional layers: the scintillation layer for X-ray conversion, the fiber optic face plate for optical transmission and physical isolation, and the image sensor array for signal detection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function while protecting sensitive elements from harmful radiation
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the image sensor array is isolated from X-ray exposure to prevent radiation damage, then component lifespan is extended, but direct X-ray detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic face plate acts as an intermediary that enables indirect X-ray detection. It transfers optical signals generated by scintillation from the X-ray interaction region to the isolated image sensor array, maintaining detection capability while allowing the sensor to remain protected from direct X-ray exposure and extend its operational lifespan
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 system effectively shields radiation-sensitive components, extends the detector's lifespan, reduces maintenance costs, and preserves high signal-to-noise ratio and resolution, enabling compact, low-cost, and portable X-ray detection with minimal alignment requirements.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray sensitive scintillating materials, such as Gd2O2S:Tb (GOX or GADOX), CsI(Tl) or CdWO4 have been used. These materials greatly enhance the detection efficiency of higher energy X-rays in silicon based sensor arrays through the ability of the scintillating materials to scintillate and emit visible light photons proportional to the X-ray energy.
Implementation Method 2
A fiber optic face plate is used to transfer the visible light onto the image sensor array after the X-ray flux has been converted. The FOFP and the image sensor assembly can be offset by an acute angle relative to the centerline of the X-ray flux path from the X-ray source, and thus avoid direct exposure of the X-ray flux on the detecting electrical components of the detector system.
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray line-scan camera utilizes an image transferring means to alter the optical path and thus eliminates the X-ray radiation damage on the electrical components of the camera system. The camera comprises a layer of scintillating material, a fiber optic face plate (FOFP) block, and an array of image sensors. One face of the FOFP block is bonded to the surface of the image sensors. The layer of scintillating material is placed on other face of the FOFP block and used to convert an impinging X-ray beam into visible light. The FOFP block is used to transfer the visible light from the scintillating layer onto the image sensor array, which in turn converts the visible light into electrical video signals. The FOFP block has a rotation angle of 32 to 40 degree relative to the impinging X-ray beam to prevent direct impingement of the X-ray beam onto the image sensors.