Abstract: A modular radiation-detecting array composed of a plurality of detector modules having detector cells supported between upper and lower insulating substrates utilizes nut plates fastened to the insulating substrates for rigidly and releasably securing the detector modules between parallel frame members.

Abstract: The radiation detector employs a rigid stiffener plate fastened to the detector housing to translate the housing resonant frequency outside the band of frequencies associated with the detector signals containing imaging information. In this manner, microphonic noise induced by the resonating housing does not interfere with the desired signals and does not degrade image quality.

Abstract: In a modular solid state detector of the type including a scintillator and diodes for converting x-ray flux to a measurable electrical signal, the diodes are mounted out of the path of incident x-radiation to minimize noise and to limit degradation. The resulting configuration reduces efficiency because the active diode area is limited and the length of the light path between the scintillator and diode is increased. In order to compensate for that reduction in efficiency, optical potting material is used to join the scintillator to the diodes in order to minimize light attenuation between those elements. In addition, the outer surface of the cured optical potting material is coated with a thin specular layer of silver to keep the light within the optical potting material and thus most efficiently reflected from the scintillator to the diode.

Abstract: A modular solid state x-radiation detector. A detector array is made up of a plurality of collimator plates having pockets formed in the planar surfaces thereof to carry scintillator bars, and dimensioned so that the edges of the scintillators are shielded by the pockets, yielding several advantages. Wider scintillator bars are thus possible, increasing quantum detection efficiency while guarding against energy dependent punch through at the edges of the scintillator, thereby to enhance spectral linearity. The arrangement also prevents x-rays from bypassing the scintillator, thus protecting the adhesive which bonds the scintillator to the plate and the photodiodes mounted behind the scintillator. A further benefit is an increase in optical transfer of light to the rear of the scintillator where the diode is mounted since there is a less severe aspect ratio of depth to width, reducing the number of reflections encountered by light travelling to the photodiode.

Abstract: Improved end blocks for the electrode array of a multicell radiation detector support the array and isolate it from the interior walls of an enclosed ionization chamber. A plunger extends from the rear wall of each end block and is biased by a spring within the end block to bear against the rear wall of the detector chamber, biasing the electrode array forwardly against front spacers to position the front edges of the electrodes in equidistantly spaced relation to a x-ray transmissive window formed in the front wall of the detector housing. The bias exerted by the springs is adjustable. A tool is inserted into each end block during assembly of the detector to retract the plungers while the array is being positioned within the opened ionization chamber.The invention greatly reduces noise in the detector caused by microphonics, thus improving the integrity of the detected signal and permitting shorter scanning times and other advantages.