Semiconductor radiation detector with downconversion element
AssigneeDigirad Corporation
InventorsBo Pi, Timothy C. Collins, Richard L. Conwell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A radiation detection device for gamma radiation is disclosed having an array of crystals optically positioned adjacent an optional collimator, the crystals emitting visible light upon illumination by the incident gamma radiation. An array of photodetectors is optically positioned adjacent the crystal array on the side of the crystal array opposite that of the collimator. A select photodetector in the photodetector array provides an output signal when the select photodetector is illuminated by the visible light. An integrated circuit having an input from the output signals of said array of photodetectors is used to process and output signals indicative of the intensity and position of the gamma radiation.
Claims27
A modular radiation detection device for incident gamma radiation having a first frequency range, comprising:
- a plurality of modules, each module including:
- a down-conversion material, the down-conversion material emitting photons in a frequency range less than that of the first frequency range upon illumination by the incident gamma radiation;
- an array of semiconductor photodetector elements positioned in line with the downconversion material, each photodetector element having a photodetector active area configured so as to receive a substantial portion of the photons of the second frequency range, providing an output signal when illuminated by the emitted light;
- and
- an integrated circuit having an input from the output signals of said array of photodetectors;
- and
- wherein the modules are all-side buttable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.