Dynamically scanned X-ray detector panel

An x-ray imaging system for imaging a subject comprising:

• an x-ray source configured to project an x-ray radiation toward a portion of the subject;
• a panel detector positioned opposite the x-ray source relative to the subject and configured to receive x-ray radiation passing through the subject, the panel detector including:
• a scintillation layer converting x-ray radiation to light rays;
• a glass layer on which the scintillation layer is deposited;
• a layer of amorphous silicon;
• a substrate;
• and
• a plurality of microelectromechanical scanners, each of the plurality of microelectromechanical scanners includes a photodetector mounted on a corresponding movable platform;
• a scanning control module configured to move each platform in a selected scan pattern;
• and
• a readout electronics module for image processing.

A method of x-ray imaging comprising:

• providing a panel detector including a scintillation layer deposited on a glass layer and a plurality of microelectromechanical scanners, each microelectromechanical scanner including a photodetector mounted on a movable platform;
• directing x-ray radiation emitted from an x-ray source to the panel detector while a subject is between the x-ray source and the panel detector;
• directing light rays emitted from the scintillation layer toward the plurality of microelectromechanical scanners;
• controlling each of the plurality of microelectromechanical scanners to scan a corresponding area of the scintillation layer in an individually selectable scanning pattern;
• processing the scanning patterns;
• and
• producing an image of a portion of the subject.