Apparatus and Method for Detecting X-Ray Radiation with Background Suppression

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

This invention introduces an X-ray detector apparatus and method that significantly suppresses background noise caused by unwanted electrons ("escape electrons" and "external electrons") during X-ray detection. It does so by using specialized detector sections and/or shielding to identify and exclude these background contributions, resulting in a much clearer and more sensitive detection of genuine X-ray signals. This allows the system to achieve nearly background-free measurements, making it highly competitive with the sensitivity of advanced nuclear medicine imaging techniques.

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

• Medical X-ray imaging (including CT and X-ray fluorescence imaging) requiring improved sensitivity and contrast
• Non-destructive material testing where clarity of signal is essential (such as flaw detection in industrial components)
• X-ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging in biological research, such as tracing elements or markers in tissues or single cells
• Environmental monitoring or security screening using X-ray techniques, where detecting trace substances is important
• Synchrotron-based imaging and spectroscopy where background reduction can unveil subtle chemical or structural information
• Analytical instrumentation for precise elemental or compositional analysis using XRF methods

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Greatly improved sensitivity by suppressing the background that previously limited detection thresholds
• Allows detection of much lower concentrations of X-ray fluorescence markers or elements than before
• Enables X-ray imaging techniques to approach the background-free sensitivity typically seen in PET/SPECT nuclear medicine imaging
• Reduction/removal of false positives caused by unwanted electrons, leading to more accurate results
• Versatile implementation adaptable for both active (veto detector) and passive (shielding) suppression strategies, or combinations thereof
• Potential for faster measurements or reduced radiation doses due to enhanced signal-to-noise ratio
• Facilitates broader adoption of XRF imaging techniques in fields where sensitivity was previously insufficient

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

An X-ray detector apparatus 100 for detecting incoming X-ray photons of X-ray radiation to be sensed, comprises an X-ray detector device 10 having an X-ray detector section 11 and an entrance section 12, wherein the X-ray detector section 11 is arranged for detecting the X-ray photons incoming through the entrance section 12 by creating photo electrons in response to an interaction of the incoming X-ray photons with the X-ray detector section 11 and for providing an X-ray output signal, which is determined by the detected X-ray photons, and a background suppression device 20 being configured for suppressing background contributions in the X-ray output signal which are caused by at least one of escape electrons being emitted from the X-ray detector device 10 in response to an absorption of the X-ray radiation and external electrons occurring outside the X-ray detector device 10. Furthermore, an X-ray detection method is described.