Device for converting charge into pulse length for use in semiconductor photodetector of e.g. gamma camera in nuclear medicine, has converting unit converting discharge time of capacitor still reaching residual charging

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes an electronic device that converts the amount of electrical charge detected by a semiconductor photodetector (such as those used in gamma cameras for nuclear medicine) into the duration of an electronic pulse. The device uses a capacitor and specialized circuitry to precisely measure and translate the charge into a measurable pulse length, improving accuracy in charge detection.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Medical imaging systems, especially gamma cameras in nuclear medicine for detecting radiation signals.
• High-precision measurement equipment where accurate conversion of charge to timing signals is required.
• Photon or particle detection systems in scientific research using semiconductor photodetectors.
• Industrial quality control where radiation or light are used for inspections.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improves the accuracy of charge measurement in semiconductor photodetectors.
• Enables direct conversion of electrical charge into a time-based signal, facilitating easier digital processing.
• Reduces measurement errors due to improved handling of residual charges after signal detection.
• Potentially enhances image quality and diagnostic accuracy in medical imaging applications.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The device has a charge-sensitive amplifier (A1) receiving charges and coupled to an inverted input by a capacitor (C1). A constant current source is arranged at the inverted input and enables constant discharge of the capacitor at a time. A converting unit converts discharge time of the capacitor still reaching residual charging. A Schottky diode (D1) or a transistor is arranged parallel to the capacitor and ends a discharging process of the capacitor after obtaining the residual charging. A comparator (A2) compares output voltage of the amplifier with reference voltage (Uref). An independent claim is also included for a method for converting charge into pulse length.