Abstract: A radiation detector with improved performance includes a probe and a first detector element constructed from planar semiconductor material in the probe. The detector further includes a second detector element constructed from planar semiconductor material in the probe. The detector further includes a focal point located outside of the probe. The detector further includes a circuit in communication with the detector elements. The first and second detector elements face the focal point and have the same solid angle relative to the focal point. The detector elements generate signals in response to incident radiation. The circuit receives the signals generated by the detector elements.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an avalanche pixel sensor includes a substrate having opposite first and second surfaces, first sensor elements operating in breakdown mode situated on the first surface of the substrate for detecting ionizing radiation from a radiation-emission source, second sensor elements operating in breakdown mode situated on the second surface of the substrate, the second sensor elements each paired with a corresponding first sensor element to experience substantially coincident breakdown in response to ionizing radiation. Logic elements are each electrically interconnected to a respective pair of first and second sensor elements for receiving a signal or signal representing the substantially coincident breakdown of the respective pair to be distinguished from a dark signal even in either of the pair of the first and second sensor elements.

Abstract: A quantum detector array is provided. The array includes a semiconductor substrate and an epitaxial layer on the semiconductor substrate. The epitaxial layer includes a plurality of binary quantum sensor elements operable in breakdown mode to generate signals, logic elements, and a digital processing circuit. The binary quantum sensor elements each have a radiation-sensitive drift region and amplification region with a pn junction for detecting radiation from a radiation-emission source. The logic elements are each electrically interconnected to a corresponding binary sensor element of the plurality of binary quantum sensor elements for resetting the corresponding binary sensor element, generating digital information based on the signals received from the corresponding binary sensor element, and outputting the digital information. The digital processing circuit carries out digital processing of logic and time signals from the binary sensor elements.

Abstract: A camera sub-module is provided for providing tomographic imaging of radiation emissions generated internally by a body. The camera sub-module includes a radiation-emitting layer having a radioactive source for emitting transmission emissions, and at least one radiation-detection layer for contemporaneously detecting and permitting differentiation between the transmission emissions and emissions generated internal to an imaged body administered with a positron-emitting radiotracer. Also provided herein are imaging systems, scanners, and other apparatus and methods.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an avalanche pixel sensor includes a substrate having opposite first and second surfaces, first sensor elements operating in breakdown mode situated on the first surface of the substrate for detecting ionizing radiation from a radiation-emission source, second sensor elements operating in breakdown mode situated on the second surface of the substrate, the second sensor elements each paired with a corresponding first sensor element to experience substantially coincident breakdown in response to ionizing radiation. Logic elements are each electrically interconnected to a respective pair of first and second sensor elements for receiving a signal or signal representing the substantially coincident breakdown of the respective pair to be distinguished from a dark signal even in either of the pair of the first and second sensor elements.

Abstract: A camera sub-module is provided for providing tomographic imaging of radiation emissions generated internally by a body. The camera sub-module includes a radiation-emitting layer having a radioactive source for emitting transmission emissions, and at least one radiation-detection layer for contemporaneously detecting and permitting differentiation between the transmission emissions and emissions generated internal to an imaged body administered with a positron-emitting radiotracer. Also provided herein are imaging systems, scanners, and other apparatus and methods.

Abstract: A radiation detector system having a heat pipe based cooling. The radiation detector system includes a radiation detector thermally coupled to a thermo electric cooler (TEC). The TEC cools down the radiation detector, whereby heat is generated by the TEC. A heat removal device dissipates the heat generated by the TEC to surrounding environment. A heat pipe has a first end thermally coupled to the TEC to receive the heat generated by the TEC, and a second end thermally coupled to the heat removal device. The heat pipe transfers the heat generated by the TEC from the first end to the second end to be removed by the heat removal device.