Scintillator array having a reflector with integrated air gaps
AssigneeGE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
InventorDavid M. Hoffman
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a scintillator array having an integrated air gap. By integrating an air gap within the reflector, light collection efficiency is improved while simultaneously lowering cross-talk between scintillators. That is, implementing a reflector without chromium oxide (Cr2O3) increases light reflectivity and an air gap lowers cross talk through the reflector. To further improve the reflectivity, the base reflector material may be coated with a low index material and a reflective material such as silver.
Claims26
A CT detector comprising:
- a scintillator array of scintillator elements arranged to receive x-rays from an x-ray projection source and output light in proportion to the x-rays received;
- a cast reflector integrally disposed between adjacent scintillators of the scintillator array;
- and
- an air gap disposed within the cast reflector such that a space is formed between adjacent scintillators of the scintillator array.
A CT detector having a scintillator array optically coupled to a photodiode array, the CT detector formed by:
- creating voids between adjacent scintillators of the scintillator array;
- disposing a cast reflector within each of the voids;
- creating air gaps in the cast reflector;
- and
- coupling the photodiode array to the scintillator array.
A CT system comprising:
- 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 a plurality of scintillators and wherein the scintillator array includes a reflector between adjacent scintillators, the reflector having an integrated air gap;
- and
- a photodiode array coupled to the scintillator array and configured to produce electrical signals in response to light emitted by the scintillator array.
A scintillation array comprising:
- a plurality of scintillators arranged to receive air gaps and generate light in response thereto;
- a reflector disposed between adjacent scintillators;
- a plurality of voids integrated in the reflector along at least one dimension;
- and
- the reflector formed of a material absent Cr2O3.
A method of manufacturing a scintillator array comprising the steps of:
- creating voids between adjacent scintillators of the scintillator array;
- depositing a cast reflector within each of the voids;
- creating air gaps in the cast reflector disposed within the voids;
- and
- coupling the photodiode array to the scintillator array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.