Method for Extending the Dynamic Range of a Pixel Detector System Using Automatic Gain Switching

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

The invention is a pixel-based X-ray detector system that employs automatic gain switching within each pixel to significantly extend its dynamic range. By monitoring the integrated charge and switching to lower gain settings as needed, the detector can accurately measure both very low and very high photon fluxes without saturating the readout electronics. This approach allows the detector to handle a much wider range of X-ray intensities within a single image, making it highly suitable for applications with varying signal strengths.

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

• Scientific imaging in synchrotron facilities and free electron lasers
• Medical X-ray imaging, including CT scans and radiography
• Industrial non-destructive testing with X-ray inspection
• X-ray crystallography and structural biology research
• Astronomical X-ray detection systems
• Security screening systems with high dynamic range requirements

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Dramatic increase in dynamic range (up to several orders of magnitude), allowing reliable detection from single photons to very high fluxes
• Reduces the need to adjust frame rate or detector saturation levels during operation
• Minimizes circuit complexity and power consumption, with only a small increase in chip area
• Reduces data correction and improves image/data quality, especially under high flux conditions
• Enables high rate photon detection without significant dead-time or signal pile-up
• Flexible architecture applicable to both monolithic and hybrid pixel detector designs

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Patent Abstract

The present invention discloses an X ray detector with single photon measurement capabilities (14), comprising: a) a layer of photosensitive material (4); b) an NxM array of photo-detector diodes (2) arranged in said layer of photosensitive material (4); each of said photo-detector diodes (2) having a bias potential interface (12) and a diode output interface, said bias potential interface (12) of each photo-detector diode (2) being connected to a bias potential (V bias ); c) an NxM array of high gain, low noise readout unit cells (RO), one readout unit cell (RO) for each photo-detector diode (2); and d) each readout unit cell (RO) comprising: d1) an input interface (IN) connecting said diode output interface to a high-gain charge-to-voltage amplifying means (34) comprising integration capacitors (Cf1, Cf2, Cf3), d2) said high-gain charge-to-voltage amplifying means (34) having a number of gains and being able to switch between the gains, d3) a comparator and a digital block (30) for monitoring the charge of the integration capacitance and for switching the actual gain to another gain depending from the monitored charge of the integration capacitance. This pixel detector provides the possibility of in pixel intermediate evaluation of an automatic gain switching circuit state to increase the dynamic range of the detector in case of quasi continuous incoming particle flux (quasi continuous flux being defined as a flux changing only on time scales bigger than 1/(frame rate)). The detector according to the present invention exploits the behavior of an automatic gain switching amplifier in case of a quasi-continuous incoming particle flux to extend the dynamic range up to several orders of magnitude.