X-ray Detector Illumination Layer on Converter Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of larger x-ray detectors with mechanical stability and low-cost manufacturing is challenged by the need for efficient illumination of converter elements while maintaining transparency and electrical conductivity, especially in applications like computed tomography and radiography.
Innovation Solution
A counting x-ray detector with a transparent electrode comprising an electrically-conductive contact layer, intermediate layer, high-voltage layer, and illumination layer, where the illumination layer is integrated into the electrode to provide stable and even light distribution across the converter element, allowing for efficient light irradiation and mechanical stability, and is manufactured using injection molding for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a separate illumination layer is used to irradiate the converter element, then the light distribution can be improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination layer is integrated directly into the electrode structure, merging two previously separate components (illumination layer and electrode) into a single unified component. This reduces the number of separate layers and simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining the light distribution function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical conduction, mechanical support, and illumination through the integrated illumination layer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate illumination components and reduces device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If the detector size is increased for larger z extents, then the detection coverage is improved, but the mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple segments or zones along the z-axis, with each segment independently supported and illuminated. This segmentation allows the large detector to be constructed from smaller, more stable modular units while maintaining overall mechanical stability across the extended detection area.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure incorporates support elements that extend in the z-dimension, providing three-dimensional mechanical reinforcement. This additional dimensional support helps maintain structural integrity and stability as the detector size increases in the z-extent.
3Reliability
If multiple separate layers are used for electrode and illumination, then the functional performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode and illumination layer are combined into a single integrated component that can be manufactured as one piece using injection molding. This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes and assembly steps, reducing production complexity and cost while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated electrode incorporates multiple materials with different properties (electrically conductive materials, transparent materials, illuminating materials) into a single composite structure. This allows the component to perform multiple functions simultaneously while being manufactured as a unified piece, improving ease of manufacture.
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 solution enables improved imaging and stability of x-ray detectors by ensuring consistent light irradiation and mechanical stability, reducing production costs and complexity, and maintaining high detection efficiency even at larger sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The energy of the incident ionizing radiation is converted directly into electrical charges, so-called electron-hole pairs
Implementation Method 2
In order to optimize the x-ray radiation detection it is known to irradiate the semiconductor used for detection with an additional radiation for creating additional charge carriers. IR, UV or visible radiation is used as additional radiation for example.
Data Source
AI summary
A counting x-ray detector includes, in a stack arrangement, a converter element for conversion of x-ray radiation into electrical charges and an electrode. The electrode is connected to the converter element electrically-conductively in a planar manner. The electrode is embodied at least partly transparently. The electrode includes the following layers: an electrically-conductive contact layer, an electrically-conductive first intermediate layer, an electrically-conductive high-voltage layer, and an illumination layer.