CT detector fabrication process
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorDavid M. Hoffman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A CT detector capable of energy discrimination and direct conversion is disclosed. The detector includes multiple layers of semiconductor material with the layers having varying thicknesses. The detector is constructed to be segmented in the x-ray penetration direction so as to optimize count rate performance as well as avoid saturation.
Claims20
A method of manufacturing a direct conversion detector for radiographic imaging, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing multiple layers of semiconductor material designed to directly convert x-rays to electrical signals;
- affixing an electrically conductive film layer to at least an x-ray penetration surface of each layer of semiconductor material;
- and
- arranging the multiple layers of semiconductor material in a stack such that each layer is in contact with at least two electrically conductive film layers.
A direct conversion detector for radiographic imaging, the detector having multiple layers of semiconductor material and interstitial electrically conductive layers, and formed by:
- depositing a metallized layer on at least an x-ray penetration surface of each of a plurality of semiconductor layers;
- and
- stacking the plurality of semiconductor layers in an x-ray penetration direction such that each semiconductor layer is sandwiched between a pair of metallized layers.
A CT detector fabrication process comprising:
- a metallization stage whereupon a metallized layer is affixed to each of a plurality of CZT substrates, each CZT substrate designed to convert x-rays directly to electrical signals;
- an arrangement stage whereupon the plurality of CZT substrates is arranged to form a CZT detector stack with each CZT substrate sandwiched between a pair of metallized layers;
- and
- a composite stage whereupon the plurality of CZT substrates is connected to one another to form a singular composite structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.