Optimized, Sparse Detector Arrays and Their Methods of Use

A method of using an X-ray scanning system, wherein the scanning system has an X-ray radiation source to direct an X-ray beam onto a target for scanning and a detector assembly positioned to receive the X-ray radiation after the X-ray beam interacts with the target, wherein the detector assembly includes first and second detector arrays, the method comprising:

• receiving, at the detector assembly, the X-ray radiation after the X-ray beam interacts with the target;
• generating, by the first detector array, first scan image data corresponding to detection of predominantly low-energy photons, wherein the first detector array has a first plurality of distinct spaces corresponding to an area configured to receive one or more independent detector elements, the distinct spaces arranged in n rows and m columns, and wherein only alternate positions along each of the n rows and along each of the m columns are populated with first detector elements while each of the remaining ones of the first plurality of distinct spaces positioned between the first detector elements do not have an active detector element;
• generating, by the second detector array, second scan image data corresponding to detection of predominantly high-energy photons, wherein the second detector array has a second plurality of distinct spaces arranged in N rows and M columns, wherein each of the second plurality of distinct spaces in a first row are populated with a second detector element, and wherein all of the second plurality of distinct spaces in a second row immediately adjacent to the first row do not have an active detector element;
• processing, by a processor, the first and second scan image data to generate a dual-energy scan image of the target, wherein the processing is modulated to optimize at least one of a plurality of image performance metrics in response to an input received from a user.