X-ray Detector Non-Transparent Intermediate Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray detectors face challenges in shielding evaluation units from additional illumination, which can lead to instability and noise in imaging properties, particularly due to the sensitivity of amplifier structures to visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an intermediate layer that is non-transparent to visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light between the direct-converting converter element and the evaluation unit, effectively shielding the evaluation unit from additional illumination and maintaining small capacitances in amplifier stages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the evaluation unit is made sensitive to detect electrical pulses from X-ray photons, then measurement precision is improved, but the evaluation unit becomes sensitive to additional illumination causing instability and noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is divided into functionally separate layers: a converter element for X-ray detection and an evaluation unit for signal processing, with an intermediate light-absorbing layer between them. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function while the intermediate layer prevents harmful light from reaching sensitive electronics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate layer absorbing visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light is introduced between the converter element and the evaluation unit. This intermediary component blocks additional illumination from reaching the evaluation unit while allowing electrical signals to pass through, thus preventing noise and instability without compromising detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If additional illumination is applied to stabilize the converter element, then signal stabilization is improved, but noise and instability are introduced in the evaluation unit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal stabilityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate light-absorbing layer acts as a mediator that allows the beneficial effect of additional illumination on the converter element while blocking the harmful effect on the evaluation unit. This layer selectively transmits electrical signals while absorbing optical photons, thus stabilizing the signal without introducing noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The detector structure segments the illumination function from the evaluation function by placing the light-absorbing intermediate layer between them. This allows additional illumination to be applied to the converter element for signal stabilization while the intermediate layer prevents this same illumination from reaching and destabilizing the evaluation unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If light shields are used to block additional illumination from the evaluation unit, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex light shield structures, the patent changes the optical parameter of the intermediate layer by selecting materials with specific light-absorbing properties for visible, infrared, or ultraviolet ranges. This parameter-based solution achieves light blocking with a simple layered structure rather than complex geometric shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate layer is formed from composite materials or material combinations that absorb specific wavelengths of light (visible, infrared, or ultraviolet) while maintaining electrical signal transmission. This use of composite materials with tailored optical properties provides effective light blocking without requiring complex structural designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enhances the stability and noise reduction of the X-ray detector, improving imaging properties by preventing the influence of additional illumination on electronic components and maintaining optimal amplifier performance.

Implementation Method 1

the intermediate layer is non-transparent for visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the X-ray radiation or the photons can be converted in to electrical pulses by a suitable converter material of the converter element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10429524B2X-ray detector with non-transparent intermediate layer

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

An X-ray detector includes a direct-converting converter element, an evaluation unit, and an intermediate layer arranged flat between the direct-converting converter element and the evaluation unit. In an embodiment, the intermediate layer is non-transparent for visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light.