XRF Slice Imaging with Pixel Arrays for Faster Spectrum Compilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray fluorescence detectors are limited by the speed of collecting charge carriers from incoming photons, leading to slower data compilation of X-ray photon spectra.
Innovation Solution
A detector system with a plurality of pixels, each equipped with an analog-to-digital converter, counts X-ray photons in parallel and compiles spectra by summing counts across pixels, using a collimator to direct X-ray fluorescence from specific object slices to subsets of pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If proportional counters or solid-state detectors are used for energy dispersive analysis, then the detection capability is improved, but the speed of data compilation is limited due to sequential charge carrier collection
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple independent pixels arranged in an array, where each pixel operates independently to detect X-ray photons. This segmentation allows parallel processing of detection data across multiple pixels, transforming the sequential detection process into a parallel one, thereby significantly improving the speed of spectrum compilation while maintaining the detection capability of individual pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-detector sequential measurement approach to a multi-pixel parallel measurement approach by adding the spatial dimension of pixel array. This dimensional change enables simultaneous detection across multiple energy ranges or positions, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If a single detector collects charge carriers sequentially, then the device complexity is reduced, but the speed of X-ray photon spectrum compilation is slowed down
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple independent pixels arranged in an array, where each pixel operates independently to detect X-ray photons. This segmentation allows parallel processing of detection data across multiple pixels, transforming the sequential detection process into a parallel one, thereby significantly improving the speed of spectrum compilation while maintaining the detection capability of individual pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pixels are combined into a single detector array that operates as an integrated system. By merging the capabilities of multiple pixels, the system achieves parallel detection and data compilation, improving productivity while the modular pixel structure keeps the overall device complexity manageable through standardized components.
3Measurement precision
If charge carriers are collected sequentially before the next photon arrives, then the detection accuracy is maintained, but the overall detection speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into multiple independent pixels arranged in an array, where each pixel operates independently to detect X-ray photons. This segmentation allows parallel processing of detection data across multiple pixels, transforming the sequential detection process into a parallel one, thereby significantly improving the speed of spectrum compilation while maintaining the detection capability of individual pixels.
Solution Approach 2:
While charge carriers from one photon are being collected in one pixel, other pixels simultaneously detect and process charge carriers from incoming photons. This continuous parallel operation eliminates the idle waiting time inherent in sequential collection, maintaining detection accuracy while significantly improving overall detection speed through uninterrupted useful action across multiple pixels.
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 enables faster and more efficient X-ray fluorescence imaging by allowing simultaneous counting and compiling of X-ray photon data across multiple pixels, enhancing the speed and accuracy of spectral analysis.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is the emission of characteristic fluorescent X-rays from a material that has been excited by, for example, exposure to high-energy X-rays or gamma rays
Implementation Method 2
neighboring pairs of the collimator plates allow fluorescent X-ray from only respective portions of the slice to reach respective subsets of the pixels
Implementation Method 3
an incoming X-ray photon ionizes a large number of detector atoms with the amount of charge carriers produced being proportional to the energy of the incoming X-ray photon
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging use a radiation source to stimulate XRF from only a slice of an object by projecting a radiation beam through only the slice. An X-ray detector having a plurality of pixels is provided. A collimator having a plurality of parallel collimator plates is positioned between the object and the X-ray detector. The radiation beam is not parallel to the collimator plates. Neighboring pairs of the collimator plates allow XRF from only respective portions of the slice to reach respective subsets of the pixels. For each of the respective pixel subsets the X-ray detector sums signals generated in the pixel or pixels of the respective subset. The radiation beam is a fan beam or a pencil beam. A pixel pitch of the X-ray detector is an integer multiple of a plate pitch of the collimator.