CT detector having a segmented optical coupler and method of manufacturing same
First Claim
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1. A method of manufacturing a CT detector comprising the steps of:
- forming a scintillator array having a plurality of scintillators;
forming a photodiode array having a plurality of photodiodes;
depositing an open-celled collimator between the scintillator array and the photodiode array, the open-celled collimator having collimator plates extending in a direction generally parallel to x-ray transmission and having a width perpendicular to the direction generally parallel to x-ray transmission that substantially matches a width separating adjacent scintillators; and
securing the scintillator, the open-celled collimator, and the photodiode array to one another.
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Abstract
The present invention is a directed to a CT detector for a CT imaging system that incorporates a segmented optical coupler between a photodiode array and a scintillator array. The segmented optical coupler also operates as a light collimator which improves the light collection efficiency of the photodiode array. The segmented optical coupler is defined by a series of reflector elements that collectively form a plurality of open cells. The open cells form light transmission cavities and facilitate the collimation of light from a scintillator to a photodiode. The cavities may be filled with optical epoxy for sealing to the photodiode array.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of manufacturing a CT detector comprising the steps of:
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forming a scintillator array having a plurality of scintillators; forming a photodiode array having a plurality of photodiodes; depositing an open-celled collimator between the scintillator array and the photodiode array, the open-celled collimator having collimator plates extending in a direction generally parallel to x-ray transmission and having a width perpendicular to the direction generally parallel to x-ray transmission that substantially matches a width separating adjacent scintillators; and securing the scintillator, the open-celled collimator, and the photodiode array to one another. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of constructing a CT detector comprising the steps of:
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forming a scintillator array; forming a photodiode array; and securing the scintillator array to the photodiode array with an open-celled collimator, the open-celled collimator arranged to reduce optical cross-talk between adjacent scintillator-photodiode pairs. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification