Photon-Counting X-Ray Detector Warm-Up for Stable Sensitivity Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray inspection apparatuses using direct conversion type sensors face instability in output due to heat generation during photon counting, particularly after startup, leading to inappropriate sensitivity correction.
Innovation Solution
The X-ray inspection apparatus stabilizes the output of direct conversion type detection units by allowing a predetermined period for X-ray detection and irradiation stabilization before performing sensitivity correction, using a direct conversion type detection unit to detect X-rays not transmitting through the article and starting X-ray irradiation during this period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If sensitivity correction is performed immediately after activation of the X-ray inspection apparatus, then the time to initiate sensitivity correction is reduced, but the output of the sensor becomes unstable and noise increases due to heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by initiating a warm-up period after activation where the X-ray source and detection unit operate before sensitivity correction is performed. This preliminary operation allows the system to reach thermal stability, ensuring reliable sensitivity correction results while minimizing the overall waiting time through optimized timing sequences
2Measurement precision
If a direct conversion type sensor is used for photon counting, then X-ray detection capability is improved, but heat generation increases causing output instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the operational parameters of the direct conversion type sensor, specifically implementing a warm-up period that allows temperature to stabilize before measurements are taken. This temporal parameter change enables the sensor to reach optimal operating temperature, reducing thermal noise while maintaining high detection precision
3Measurement precision
If the X-ray source output is increased for better detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but heat generation and output instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a stabilization period where the X-ray source operates at the desired high output level before sensitivity correction measurements are performed. This preliminary high-power operation allows the source and detector system to reach thermal equilibrium, ensuring both high detection sensitivity and stable output during actual measurements
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 approach stabilizes the output of the X-ray detection unit, reducing noise and enabling appropriate sensitivity correction, thus shortening the time to initiate sensitivity correction and ensuring accurate results.
Implementation Method 1
a direct conversion type sensor capable of detecting X-rays by photon counting
Data Source
AI summary
The X-ray inspection apparatus includes a conveying unit configured to convey an article, an X-ray source configured to irradiate the article conveyed by the conveying unit with X-rays, an X-ray detection unit capable of detecting the X-rays by photon counting, and an inspection unit configured to inspect the article based on an output result of the X-ray detection unit, where, in a sensitivity correction of the X-ray detection unit performed when the X-ray inspection apparatus is activated, after a lapse of a predetermined period from a start of detection of X-rays, the X-ray detection unit is configured to detect X-rays not transmitting the article, and the X-ray source is configured to start X-ray irradiation during the predetermined period, and where the predetermined period is equal to or longer than a period in which irradiation of the X-ray source is stabilized.