A readout chip for single photon counting

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

This invention is a specialized readout chip designed for single photon-counting imaging devices. It features multiple channels, each linked to a detector diode with a binary counter and programmable bits. The architecture allows for flexible and rapid data readout by parallelizing the output and selectively reading the most relevant bits, which significantly enhances the speed of photon counting measurements without sacrificing accuracy.

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

• High-speed X-ray diffraction experiments in crystallography, including protein and material analysis
• Photon-counting imaging in medical diagnostics, such as advanced X-ray detectors or CT scanners
• Time-resolved studies using synchrotron radiation for tracking rapid chemical or structural changes
• Research in physics and materials science where high sensitivity photon detection and rapid data acquisition are required
• Industrial inspection systems that need quick, accurate detection of low-light or single photon events

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly faster data readout compared to previous photon counting chips, improving experiment turnaround and efficiency
• Maintains or improves accuracy in photon counting, ensuring reliable scientific or diagnostic results
• Offers flexible and programmable readout tailored to regions of interest, saving processing time and resources
• Enables high-throughput and real-time imaging/mapping of photon events
• Supports advanced control functions such as channel calibration, comparator threshold adjustment, and analog output enable/disable
• Can be easily integrated into multi-channel or 2D matrix detector arrays for larger or more complex imaging requirements

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

It is the aim of the present invention to improve the properties and the speed of readout electronic significantly without losing accuracy of the counting in photon-counting imaging devices. This aim is achieved according to the present invention by a readout chip (2) for single photon counting, comprising: a) a plurality of N individually working channels each assigned to a respective detector diode; each channel comprising a counter (8 1 to 8 128 ) being designed as a binary counter having a length of M bits and a number of programmable bits (pb1 to pb128); b) a serial or parallel data input shift register (4) for entering values for the counter (8 1 to 8 128 ) and the programmable bits (pb1 to pb128); and c) a number of data output shift register (16); each having a number of K data outputs (20), whereby means (18) are provided for selectively multiplexing each of the K data outputs (20) onto a selectable bit of the data output shift register (16). These features allow a much faster readout of the counter since the counter can be readout in parallel groups of K bits each cycle. Further, a variable length of selectable bits for each counter in each channel can be readout advantageously by multiplexing the K data outputs to the bits of interest which increases the speed of readout tremendeously.