Abstract: Electronics devices like X-ray detectors with an array of pixels are combined (binned) into binning blocks of m×n pixels. Available read-out lines of the device are all connected to different binning blocks, such that up to m binning blocks are addressed simultaneously in the vertical direction when m×n binning is used. In this case, the output signals from the m vertically arranged blocks are distributed over the m read-out columns present in the m×n locks. Row address lines together with diagonal address lines and a simple activation logic provide the required versatile addressing of the pixels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detector for an X-ray apparatus, which detector comprises a substrate (1) of amorphous or preferably crystalline silicon with an array (2) of sensor element (3) disposed thereon. Integrated electronic modules (4) having analog-digital converters disposed thereon are mounted on one edge (5) of the substrate (1) by flip-chip contacting or the like and are connected by way of signal leads (6) to the sensor elements. The modules (4) and/or the substrate can additionally comprise amplifiers and multiplexers for processing the sensor signals.

Abstract: The invention concerns an X-ray detector with a photo-sensitive detector layer (10) above which a scintillation layer (30) for the conversion of X-rays (X) into photons (v) is disposed. Photons (v) are reflected back into the scintillation layer (30) by a reflector (40) that is provided on the scintillation layer (30) for an improved signal gain and signal-to-noise ratio. The reflectivity of the reflector (40) can be externally controlled. This is achieved for example by a reflective layer (41, 42, 43) of E-Ink being disposed between two electrodes (44a, 44b). Thus the reflectivity can be decreased at sufficiently high X-ray doses in order to improve image sharpness and dynamic range of the detector.

Abstract: The invention concerns electronics devices like X-ray detectors with an array of pixels (303) that can be combined (binned) into binning blocks of m×n pixels. According to the invention the available read-out lines (325) of the device are all connected to different binning blocks in each read-out step, such that up to m binning blocks are addressed simultaneously in the verticle direction when m×n binning is used. In this case, the output signals from the m vertically arranged blocks are distributed over the m read-out columns present in the m×n blocks. In a preferred embodiment, row address lines (361) together with diagonal address lines (371) and a simple activation logic (372) guarantee the required versatile addressing of the pixels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation detector apparatus (10) with an array (12) of detector pixels. Each pixel (20) of the detector comprises a photogate electrode (21) under which electrical charges produced by incident radiation (v, X) are collected. The change of these charges gives rise to displacement currents in photogate lines (32) connected to the photogate electrodes (21) which may be monitored by current sensors (40). Thus the charges collected by all photogate electrodes (21) connected to a photogate line (32) can be measured during an ongoing exposure, allowing for advanced dose control methods of the illumination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detector for the temporally resolved recording of detection events, comprising a converter device (34, 35, 36), which in the operating state supplies an electrical signal when a detection event occurs, and evaluation electronics (1) having at least one trigger (3) which is coupled to the converter device (34, 35, 36) and is designed to supply a trigger signal (5) that is temporally assigned to the electrical signal, at least one time signal source (10) that supplies a first analog time signal (Z 1), and at least a first sampler (6) which is coupled to the trigger (3) and is designed to provide a first momentary value (E1) of the first analog time signal (Z1), said first momentary value being temporally assigned to the trigger signal (5).

Abstract: A time-of-flight PET nuclear imaging device (A) includes radiation detectors (20, 22, 24), electronic circuits (26, 28, 30, 32) for processing output signals from each of detectors (20), a coincidence detector (34), a time-of-flight calculator (38) and image processing circuitry (40). A calibration system (48) includes an energy source (50, 150) which generates an electrical or optical calibration pulse. The electrical calibration pulse is applied at an input to the electronics at an output of the detector and the optical calibration pulse is applied to a preselected point adjacent a face of each optical sensor (20) of the detectors. A calibration processor (52) measures the time differences between the generation of the calibration pulse and the receipt of a trigger signal from the electronic circuitry by the coincidence detector (34) and adjusts adjustable delay circuits (44, 46) to minimize these time differences.

Abstract: An Y-ray detector apparatus comprises an array of detector pixels arranged into a plurality of sub-arrays. The pixels in each sub-array share a common dose sensing output provided to a dose sensing output conductor which extends to a periphery of the pixel array. The dose sensing output conductor for one sub-array of pixels passes through the area occupied by another sub-array of pixels, which can lead to unwanted cross talk. The invention provides a plurality of additional screening electrodes, with a screening electrode substantially adjacent the dose sensing output conductor for each sub-array of pixels. These screening electrodes reduce cross talk between the dose sensing output and other pixel electrodes. In another arrangement, each pixel further comprises a pixel electrode for each pixel formed at an upper region of the array, and the dose sensing output conductors are formed at a lower regon of the array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reading out the sensor elements of a sensor (1) with a matrix of light-sensitive or X-ray-sensitive sensor elements (S1,2; S1,2 . . . ) which are arranged in rows and columns and generate charges in dependence on the incident quantity of radiation, the switches (3) of the relevant sensor elements being activated via address lines (4, . . . , 8, . . . ) and the charges of the respective activated sensor elements being drained via read-out lines (9, 10, 11, . . . ) so as to be processed further by way of amplifiers (14, . . . , 18, . . . ) and transfer means (19). The invention also relates to a corresponding sensor as well as to an X-ray examination apparatus which includes an X-ray source for emitting an X-ray beam for irradiating an object in order to form an X-ray image, as well as a detector for generating an electrical image signal from said X-ray image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement with light-sensitive or X-ray-sensitive sensors which are arranged in rows and columns of a matrix and generate charges in dependence on the amount of incident radiation, each sensor including a photosensor element with an intrinsic storage capacitor and/or a storage capacitor connected parallel to its terminals, and also a respective transistor; it also includes at least one switching line for each row of sensors via which the transistors can be activated so that the charges of the relevant activated sensors S can be read out simultaneously via read-out lines 8 in order to ensure that, in conformity with the relevant mode of operation of the arrangement, the switching noise caused by the reading out of the sensors is reduced and/or a higher image repeat rate or more stable operating conditions for the photosensor element, also in the case of large signals, as well as an increase of the dynamic range of the photosensor element become possible in that each sensor S inclu

Abstract: An x-ray detector apparatus comprises an array of detector pixels (20), each pixel (20) comprising a conversion element (26, 260) for converting incident radiation into a charge flow, a charge storage element (28) and a switching device (29) enabling the charge stored to be provided to an output of the pixel (20). A plurality of dose sensing pixels further comprise a dose sensing element (40, 50) during x-ray exposure results in a change in the charge stored on the charge storage element (28) and also results in a dose sensing signal being generated which can be read out from the pixel (20). The dose sensing pixels enable a dose signal to be obtained without reading the charges stored on the pixel charge storage elements, so that dose sensing can be carried out during exposure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray detector which includes at least one conversion unit (1) for converting absorbed X-ray quanta into electric charge signals, at least one evaluation unit (10) for amplifying and further processing the charge signals, and at least one data processing unit (11) for the acquisition, further processing and output of data. The charge signals are first amplified by an input amplifier (2) in the evaluation unit (10) after which they are evaluated in parallel in a counting channel (5) as well as in an integrator channel (7). The charge signals are then counted in the counting channel and the overall charge is integrated in the integrator channel as a measure of the energy delivered in the conversion unit (1). Because of the parallel presentation of the counting results and the integration results, more weight can be attached thereto in their respective range of the quantum flow that is optimum from a measuring point of view, so that the dynamic range of the X-ray detector is enlarged.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray detector for converting X-rays (27) into electric charges, including a scintillator arrangement (21) and a photosensor arrangement (28) which is situated therebelow; the light that is incident in openings Z between the pixels P is reflected to the photosensor D by means of a reflector arrangement (23) so that it contributes to an increased signal without degrading the spatial resolution of the X-ray detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor and a method of operating a sensor with includes a plurality of sensor elements (10), each of which includes a radiation-sensitive conversion element (1) which generates an electric signal in dependence on the incident radiation, and also with means (21 to 26) for amplifying the electric signal in each sensor element (10) and a read-out switching element (30) in each sensor element (10) which is connected to a read-out line (8) in order to read-out the electric signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image correction method for an X-ray detector which includes a rear-mounted light source with improved correction of the after-image effects. The invention is based on the recognition of the fact that the so-called gain effects cannot be eliminated by means of known methods. The gain effects, however, give rise to an increase of the amplification by a few percents, and hence to a bright image with artefacts, already in the case of customary diagnostic X-ray doses. In accordance with the invention the gain effects are measured by acquisition of light source images by means of the build-in light source; the strength of the gain effect as well as a correction factor are determined pixel by pixel on the basis thereof. The pixel values of the bright image are corrected by means of the correction factor.

Abstract: An X-ray detector includes an array of X-ray sensitive sensors, each sensor including a conversion element which converts incident X-rays into electric charge pulses. The X-ray detector also includes an evaluation unit which is electrically connected to the conversion element in order to receive and evaluate the electric charge pulses. In order to form an X-ray detector which exhibits a high degree of linearity over a large dynamic range in conjunction with a higher maximum count rate and in order to avoid falsification of the calculated image by multiple counting of X-ray quanta, the evaluation unit includes a current/frequency converter as well as an electronic counter which is electrically connected thereto. The electric charge pulses from the conversion element are applied to the input of the current/frequency converter whose output pulses are applied to the electronic counter.

Abstract: An X-ray detector apparatus comprises an array of detector pixels (20), each pixel (20) comprising a conversion element (26;260) for converting incident radiation into a charge flow, a charge storage element (28) and a switching device (29) enabling the charge stored to be provided to an output of the pixel (20). A plurality of dose sensing pixels further comprise a dose sensing element (40;50). Charge flow from the conversion element (26;260) during X-ray exposure results in a change in the charge stored on the charge storage element (28) and also results in a dose sensing signal being generated which can be read out from the pixel (20). The dose sensing pixels enable a dose signal to be obtained without reading the charges stored on the pixel charge storage elements, so that dose sensing can be carried out during exposure.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray detector which includes at least one conversion unit (1) for converting absorbed X-ray quanta into electric charge signals, at least one evaluation unit (10) for amplifying and further processing the charge signals, and at least one data processing unit (11) for the acquisition, further processing and output of data. The charge signals are first amplified by an input amplifier (2) in the evaluation unit (10) after which they are evaluated in parallel in a counting channel (5) as well as in an integrator channel (7). The charge signals are then counted in the counting channel and the overall charge is integrated in the integrator channel as a measure of the energy delivered in the conversion unit (1). Because of the parallel presentation of the counting results and the integration results, more weight can be attached thereto in their respective range of the quantum flow that is optimum from a measuring point of view, so that the dynamic range of the X-ray detector is enlarged.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image correction method for an X-ray detector which includes a rear-mounted light source with improved correction of the after-image effects.