Dual Mode Detector

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

The invention is a photon detector system that can switch between single photon counting mode and charge integration mode, allowing it to handle a wide range of photon fluxes and energies. It consists of an array of photo-detector diodes, each connected to a readout cell that can be reconfigured via switches to operate in either detection mode. This flexible design allows the same detector hardware to be used in applications that require high sensitivity (single photon counting) and those needing to handle high photon flux (charge integration), all within compact physical dimensions.

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

• X-ray imaging in medical diagnostics where exposure levels may vary from very low to high.
• Synchrotron beamline experiments requiring rapid switching between low-flux and high-flux detection modes.
• Security scanning systems that must image under differing and unpredictable photon conditions.
• Nuclear and particle physics experiments where both sensitivity and dynamic range are required within a single instrument.
• Industrial inspection using X-rays or gamma rays, especially in quality control with variable flux rates.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Eliminates the need for separate detectors for different modes, saving space and cost.
• Enables flexible operation in environments with varying photon rates and energies.
• Improves measurement accuracy by allowing optimization for either sensitivity or dynamic range as needed.
• Reduces system complexity and calibration effort, since one device adapts to different detection requirements.
• Supports miniaturization due to shared circuitry and efficient use of pixel area within the detector array.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention discloses a dual mode detector system for photon detection that can be operated either in single photon counting mode or in charge integration mode with fixed gain or with gain switching, comprising:a) a layer of photosensitive material (4);b) an N x M 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 (Vbias);c) a N x M array of high gain, low noise readout unit cells (RO), one readout unit cell (RO) for each photo-detector diode (2); andd) each readout unit cell (RO) comprising for the charge integration mode with or without gain switching:d1) an input interface (34) connecting said diode output interface to a high-gain charge-to-voltage amplifier (36);d2) said high-gain charge-to-voltage amplifier (36) being aligned with a number of feedback capacitors (C1 to C3) in order to automatically switch between different gains or being aligned with a single feedback capacitor (1) only for fixed gain operation,d3) for gain switching a discriminator (42) connected to a latch (48) for monitoring the output voltage of the high-gain charge-to-voltage amplifier (36);and each readout unit cell (RO) comprising for the single photon counting mode:d4) the input interface (34) connected to the high-gain charge-to-voltage amplifier (36) having a fixed or controllable feedback resistance using a preamp voltage (Vpr);d5) said high-gain charge-to-voltage amplifier (36) being connected to the shaper (44) having a fixed or controllable feedback resistance using a shaper voltage (Vsh);d6) said shaper (44) being connected to the discriminator (42) which is then connected to a counter (52) and a counter readout (54); and wherein each readout unit cell (RO) further comprising for the implementation of the dual mode modus a number of switches (swl to sw6), said switches being controlled to enable the use of the high-gain charge-to-voltage amplifier (36), the feedback capacitor (C1), the comparator/discriminator (42) in both modes.