Optical Fiber Bundle Zigzag Arrangement for CR Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computed radiography (CR) systems face limitations in image quality due to low detection efficiency and high gain fluctuation noise, leading to inferior performance compared to flat-panel digital radiography (DR) systems, which are more expensive and less clinically accepted.
Innovation Solution
A CR system employing a bundle of optical fibers with a linear end proximate to the imaging plate and a two-dimensional end arranged in a zigzag pattern, along with an optical filter and a light detector, to optimize the collection and transfer of photostimulated luminescence light, reducing secondary quantum sink and Swank noise, and ensuring uniform optical spectrum distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional CR system uses a bundle of optical fibers with random arrangement at the two-dimensional end, then the system structure is simple, but the gain fluctuation noise (Swank noise) increases and detection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arrangement parameter of optical fibers from random to ordered (zigzag pattern), which transforms the optical path parameters and reduces gain fluctuation noise, thereby improving detection efficiency and reducing Swank noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement to a two-dimensional zigzag arrangement of optical fibers, allowing better spatial distribution and coupling with the PMT surface, which improves light collection efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity
2Measurement precision
If a CR system uses deep phosphor layer to increase x-ray absorption, then x-ray detection efficiency improves, but depth-dependent variations in optical gain (Swank noise) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical collection parameter by using an ordered zigzag fiber arrangement with optimized density, which compensates for the depth-dependent optical attenuation in thick phosphor layers, maintaining high x-ray detection efficiency while reducing Swank noise through more uniform light collection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical fiber densities and arrangement patterns in different regions of the bundle to compensate for the depth-dependent variations in light emission from the phosphor layer, ensuring uniform detection efficiency across the entire detector surface
3Measurement precision
If a CR system uses a linear arrangement of optical fibers, then the system is cost-effective, but image quality is inferior compared to DR systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-dimensional zigzag arrangement of optical fibers instead of a simple linear arrangement, which improves light collection efficiency and spatial resolution, achieving image quality comparable to DR systems while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of CR technology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical fiber bundle into multiple organized segments arranged in a zigzag pattern, which improves light collection from different depths of the phosphor layer and enhances overall image quality without requiring complex DR detector structures
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 proposed CR system achieves image quality equal to or better than DR systems, particularly in high-resolution applications like mammography, at an affordable cost, by minimizing gain fluctuations and secondary quantum noise, thereby enhancing Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE).
Implementation Method 1
a imaging plate (IP) positioned such that the stimulating light impinges the IP perpendicularly thereto producing photostimulated luminescence light (PLL) having a wave length different from said stimulating light source
Implementation Method 2
a light collector having a bundle of optical fibers for collecting and transferring PLL emitted from the IP
Implementation Method 3
an optical filter in communication with said light collector for blocking stimulating light waves and passing PLL therethrough
Implementation Method 4
a light detector for receiving PLL from the two-dimensional end of the bundle of the light collector
Data Source
AI summary
A computed radiography system includes a stimulating light source, a imaging plate (IP), a light collector having a bundle of optical fibers, a light detector, a mechanism providing relative movement in two orthogonal directions between the IP and the stimulating light source while maintaining the perpendicular relationship between the IP and the stimulating light, and a mechanism including an analog to digital converter for converting the collected and detected PLL to a diagnostic readout.