Abstract:
A direct-conversion X-ray detector includes one or more detector modules. The detector modules can include a substrate, one or more sensor tiles, and one or more photon-counting application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The substrate has a dielectric constant of less than about 3.5 and is capable of lithographic conductor patterning with feature sizes of about 5 um or less. The one or more X-ray direct conversion sensor tiles have an array of one or more electrodes electrically coupled to a first surface of the substrate. The one or more ASICs are electrically coupled to the substrate and disposed laterally along the substrate with respect to the one or more direct conversion sensor tiles. Conductive lines are spaced along the substrate and are configured to electrically couple the one or more X-ray direct conversion sensor tiles to the one or more ASICs.
Abstract:
CT detector modules are disclosed that include a module frame and a plurality of tileable detector sensors positioned on the module frame. Each of the tileable detector sensors includes an array of detector elements and a mounting structure directly or indirectly coupled to the detector elements to provide for a mounting and alignment of the detector sensor to the module frame. The mounting structure includes an alignment plate positioned generally opposite the array of detector elements, with the alignment plate having alignment pins forming a datum structure to align the detector sensor on the module frame and one or more threaded bosses configured to receive a fastener therein that secures the detector sensor to the module frame. The module frame includes keyed features that receive the alignment pins when the detector sensors are mounted on the module frame, so as to align the detector sensors on the module frame.
Abstract:
A detector assembly for a CT imaging system includes a scintillator array comprising a plurality of scintillator cells, and configured to detect high frequency electromagnetic energy attenuated through an object, the scintillator array including a reflective material positioned around each of the plurality of scintillator cells to form reflector channels between each of the plurality of scintillator cells. The CT imaging system also includes a collimator positioned proximate the scintillator array and configured to filter the high frequency electromagnetic energy attenuated through the object prior to impinging on the scintillator array, the collimator comprising a plurality of collimator plates arranged to form a plurality of channels. The reflector channels in the scintillator array are formed to have a first thickness and the collimator plates of the collimator are formed to have a second thickness that is equal to or less than the first thickness.
Abstract:
A collimator for an imaging system includes a first region comprising a first one-dimensional array of apertures along a channel direction, and a second region comprising a second one-dimensional array of apertures along the channel direction, wherein an aspect ratio of the apertures of the first region is greater than an aspect ratio of the second region.
Abstract:
A detector module for a radiation detector in a radiation imaging apparatus is provided. The detector module includes a detecting element array including a plurality of detecting elements arranged in a matrix form in first and second directions orthogonal to each other, the detecting element array configured to allow radiation to penetrate through spaces defined between the detecting elements, an electronic circuit arranged on a radiation emission side of the detecting element array, and a radiation shielding body arranged on a radiation incident side of the detecting element array. The radiation shielding body includes a base material having radiation permeability and formed with a plurality of grooves extending in the first direction at respective positions corresponding to spaces between the detecting elements in the second direction, and a plurality of radiation shielding materials each inserted in a respective groove of the plurality of grooves.
Abstract:
Improved imaging systems are disclosed. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for an improved image sensor assembly for an imaging system, the image sensor assembly having an integrated photodetector array and its associated data acquisition electronics fabricated on the same substrate. By integrating the electronics on the same substrate as the photodetector array, this thereby reduces fabrications costs, and reduces interconnect complexity. Since both the photodiode contacts and the associated electronics are on the same substrate/plane, this thereby substantially eliminates certain expensive/time-consuming processing techniques. Moreover, the co-location of the electronics next to or proximal to the photodetector array provides for a much finer resolution detector assembly since the interconnect bottleneck between the electronics and the photodetector array is substantially eliminated/reduced. The co-location of the electronics next to or proximal to the photodetector array also enables/facilitates programmable pixel configuration for optimal image quality.