Multi-layer reflector for CT detector
First Claim
Patent Images
1. CT detector comprising:
- a scintillator array having a plurality of scintillators;
a reflector interstitially disposed between at least two adjacent scintillators, the reflector including a light absorption element disposed between a pair of reflective elements; and
a reflective layer coated to a top face of the scintillator array, wherein the light absorption element extends in length to an upper surface of the reflective layer.
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Abstract
A multi-layer reflector for a CT detector is disclosed. The reflector includes an x-ray absorption component that is sandwiched between a pair of highly reflective components. Such a reflector is formed between adjacent scintillators of a CT detector so as to reduce cross-talk between adjacent scintillators as well as maintain a relatively high light output for signal detection. Moreover, the multi-layer reflectors may be disposed one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally across a scintillator array. A method of manufacturing such a reflector and incorporating same into a CT detector is also disclosed.
69 Citations
37 Claims
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1. CT detector comprising:
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a scintillator array having a plurality of scintillators; a reflector interstitially disposed between at least two adjacent scintillators, the reflector including a light absorption element disposed between a pair of reflective elements; and a reflective layer coated to a top face of the scintillator array, wherein the light absorption element extends in length to an upper surface of the reflective layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. 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 configured to illuminate upon reception of radiographic energy; a reflective top coat cast on an x-ray receptor surface of the scintillator array; a reflector assembly disposed between adjacent scintillators of the scintillator array; and wherein each reflector assembly includes a composite layer sandwiched between at least a pair of reflective layers; wherein the composite layer extends in length to an upper surface of the reflective top coat; and wherein the composite layer includes a high-Z metal and a low-viscosity polymer. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of CT detector manufacturing comprising the steps of:
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providing a scintillator array of a plurality of scintillators, wherein the step of providing a scintillator array includes the step of forming a substrate of scintillation material; disposing a reflective layer between adjacent scintillators; disposing a reflective layer directly on an x-ray receptor surface of the scintillator array; disposing a light absorbing composite layer between the reflective layers that are disposed between adjacent scintillators; pixelating the substrate, wherein the step of pixelating includes at least one of chemically and mechanically forming gaps in the substrate to define the plurality of scintillators; depositing reflective material into at least the gaps; and wherein the step of disposing a composite layer in the reflective layer includes the step of creating channels in the reflective material. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A CT detector comprising:
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a scintillator array having a plurality of scintillators; a reflective top coat cast on an x-ray receptor surface of each of the plurality of scintillators; and a reflector interstitially disposed between at least two adjacent scintillators, the reflector including a light absorption composite element disposed between a pair of reflective elements, wherein the light absorption composite element extends in length to an upper surface of the reflective top coat, and wherein the light absorption composite element is configured to absorb x-rays. - View Dependent Claims (28)
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29. A CT detector comprising:
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a scintillator array having a plurality of scintillators; a reflective top coat cast on an x-ray receptor surface of each of the plurality of scintillators; and a reflector interstitially disposed between at least two adjacent scintillators, the reflector including a light absorption element disposed between a pair of reflective elements wherein the light absorption element extends in length to an upper surface of the reflective top coat, and wherein the light absorption element is configured to reduce x-ray punch through.
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30. A CT detector comprising:
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a scintillator array having a plurality of scintillators; a reflective top coat cast on an x-ray receptor surface of each of the plurality of scintillators; and a reflector interstitially disposed between at least two adjacent scintillators, the reflector including a light absorption element disposed between a pair of reflective elements wherein the light absorption element extends in length to an upper surface of the reflective top coat, and wherein the light absorption element includes a high atomic number metal composite. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33)
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34. A CT detector comprising:
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a scintillator array having a plurality of scintillators; a reflective top coat cast on an x-ray receptor surface of each of the plurality of scintillators; and a reflector interstitially disposed between at least two adjacent scintillators, the reflector including a light absorption element disposed between a pair of reflective elements wherein the light absorption element extends in length to an upper surface of the reflective top coat, and wherein the pair of reflective elements include TiO2.
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35. 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 configured to illuminate upon reception of radiographic energy; a reflective top coat cast on an x-ray receptor surface of the scintillator array; a reflector assembly disposed between adjacent scintillators of the scintillator array; and wherein each reflector assembly includes a first light absorptive layer sandwiched between at least a pair of reflective layers wherein the first light absorptive layer extends in length to an upper surface of the reflective top coat; and wherein the at least a pair of reflective layers includes TiO2.
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36. 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 configured to illuminate upon reception of radiographic energy; a reflective top coat cast on an x-ray receptor surface of the scintillator array; a reflector assembly disposed between adjacent scintillators of the scintillator array; and wherein each reflector assembly includes a first layer comprising a high atomic number metal and a low viscosity polymer, the first layer sandwiched between at least a pair of reflective layers, and wherein the first layer extends in length to an upper surface of the reflective top coat; and wherein each reflective layer has a lateral thickness of approximately 15-90 μ
m and the composite layer has a lateral thickness of approximately 50-100 μ
m.
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37. 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 configured to illuminate upon reception of radiographic energy; a reflective top coat cast on an x-ray receptor surface of the scintillator array; a reflector assembly disposed between adjacent scintillators of the scintillator array; and wherein each reflector assembly includes a first layer sandwiched between at least a pair of reflective layers, the first layer including a low viscosity polymer comprising one of epoxy and polyurethane, and wherein the first layer extends in length to an upper surface of the reflective top coat; and wherein the reflector assembly is cast between adjacent scintillators.
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Specification