CT detector with integrated air gap
First Claim
1. A CT detector comprising:
- an array of scintillators configured to convert received x-rays to light;
an array of light detection elements in operable association with the array of scintillators and configured to output electrical signals in response to light detected from the array of scintillators, the array of light detection elements including a textured layer to receive the light emitted by the array of scintillators; and
an air gap disposed between the array of scintillators and the array of light detection elements.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an improved CT detector scintillator to photodiode optical coupling. The CT detector utilizes a controlled air gap between the photodiode array and the scintillator array together with an anti-reflective layer on the scintillator array. To improve the absorption of light at the photodiode array, the photodiode array includes a textured light reception surface. By incorporating a textured layer with the photodiode array, the light collection efficiency of the photodiodes is improved. The textured layer may extend along an x- and/or z-axis and the texturing may be in different forms. For example, the textured layer may include a series of pyramidally-shaped protrusions.
63 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A CT detector comprising:
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an array of scintillators configured to convert received x-rays to light;
an array of light detection elements in operable association with the array of scintillators and configured to output electrical signals in response to light detected from the array of scintillators, the array of light detection elements including a textured layer to receive the light emitted by the array of scintillators; and
an air gap disposed between the array of scintillators and the array of light detection elements. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A CT detector for an imaging system, the CT detector formed by:
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arranging a plurality of light detection elements in an array, the light detection elements having a non-planar light detection surface;
arranging a plurality of scintillators in an array;
affixing at least one anti-reflective layer to the array of scintillators; and
coupling the arrays to one another such that a uniform air gap extends therebetween. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A CT system comprising:
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a rotatable gantry having a bore centrally disposed therein;
a table movable fore and aft through the bore and configured to position a subject for CT data acquisition;
a high frequency electromagnetic energy projection source positioned within the rotatable gantry and configured to project high frequency electromagnetic energy toward the subject; and
a detector array disposed within the rotatable gantry and configured to detect high frequency electromagnetic energy projected by the projection source and impinged by the subject, the detector array including;
a scintillator array having an anti-reflective layer coupled thereto; and
a photodiode diode array coupled to the scintillator array such that a non-planar gap extends between the reflective layer and the photodiode array. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A CT detector comprising:
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a scintillator array of scintillators having a light output surface configured to emit light upon receipt of x-rays; and
a photodiode array of photosensitive elements configured to detect light emitted by the scintillator array and output electrical signals indicative of light detected, the photodiode array having a non-planar light detection surface. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23)
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24. A CT detector comprising:
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means for outputting light based on detected x-rays;
means for preventing light reflection coupled to the means for outputting;
means for detecting light output by the means for outputting and coupled to the means for preventing such that a non-uniform air gap extends therebetween.
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Specification