An imaging device for single x-ray photon counting

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This invention describes an imaging device specifically designed for single x-ray photon counting. The device is built from several modular photon-counting imaging units, each featuring a monolithic pixellated semiconductor detector and compact, high-performance readout electronics. These modules use an L-shaped support structure allowing for almost seamless assembly into a larger flat detector plane with minimal inactive (dead) areas, thus optimizing detection sensitivity and efficiency. Electrical contacts are cleverly routed to avoid occupying active detection areas, enabling the construction of large, high-resolution detectors for precise x-ray imaging applications.

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

• X-ray imaging in synchrotron and laboratory x-ray sources for molecular and crystallography studies, such as protein or virus structure determination.
• Time-resolved x-ray diffraction experiments to monitor chemical or molecular reactions with high temporal and spatial resolution.
• Medical x-ray imaging and diagnostics where precise photon counting and high image quality are critical.
• Industrial x-ray inspection systems for non-destructive testing, quality control, or materials analysis.
• Scientific research where large-area, high-sensitivity x-ray detectors with minimal dead zones are required.

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• Minimizes inactive detector area at module boundaries, leading to larger effective imaging areas without significant gaps.
• High sensitivity and low noise operation thanks to dedicated readout electronics bump-bonded to each pixel, improving detection accuracy down to single photons.
• Modular and scalable construction permits flexible detector sizing and repair or upgrading of individual modules.
• Efficient use of space and optimized electronics routing preserve the active detection area, maximizing imaging performance.
• Incorporates thermal management solutions to maintain detector performance during use, especially important for high-flux applications.

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Patent Abstract

A photon-counting imaging device for single x-ray counting is disclosed, comprising: a) an assembly of a number of photon-counting imaging modules (18) which are connected to generate a flat detector plane; b) each photon counting imaging module (18) comprising: c) an L-shaped support structure (2) being connectable with adjacent support structures (2); d) a monolithic pixellated semiconductor detector layer (16) and a high gain, low noise readout unit being bump-bonded to the detector layer (16); e) said detector layer (16) and said readout unit being sandwiched to the lower surface (12) of the horizontal leg (4) of the L-shaped support layer (2), wherein the detector layer (16) covers the complete lower surface (4) ; f) an module control board (22) for data collection and controlling the readout unit; said module control board (22) being disposed on the inner surface (20) of the vertical leg (6) of the L-shaped support layer (2); and g) said module control board (22) and said readout unit being connected via at least one opening (8) which is disposed in the horizontal leg (4) of the L-shaped support structure (2). These features allow to build an imaging device having a large detector area comprising dead detector area only to an negligible extend at the contact lines of adjacent imaging modules since any electrical contact is achieved in a direction substantially vertically to the detector plane. By providing the contact openings in the horizontal legs of the L-shaped support any contact with the evaluation electronic can be achieved on the backplane of the dectector and readout unit assembly without deteoring the active detector area.