Design of a next-generation conventional scintillator x-ray detector: Improved spatial resolution and fill factor
Abstract
Background: The most compelling advantage that photon counting detectors (PCDs) currently have over energy integrating detectors (EIDs) for CT applications may be their improved spatial resolution. However, PCDs are difficult to manufacture. Next-generation EIDs using conventional scintillator sensors could be easier to mass produce, but their spatial resolution is thought to be limited by fill factor considerations. Specifically, each EID pixel comprises a block of scintillator surrounded by inactive, optically reflective septa. The minimum width of optically reflective septa is ∼0.1 mm, and unless this is shrunk, decreases in pixel pitch inevitably cause an increasing fraction of dead space.
Purpose: To propose a modified system geometry in which the detector pixels are tilted by a few degrees, such that rays that are incident on reflective septa would later encounter scintillator. Because reflective septa are nearly transparent to x-rays compared to scintillator, this geometry restores much of the lost fill factor.
Methods: Tilting can be achieved in several different ways. We discuss three implementation options: individual detector modules may be tilted, with gaps between modules that are seamless from the perspective of the x-ray source; the whole detector can be arranged to point towards a "false" focal spot that is offset slightly from the true focal spot; the scintillator wafer can structured differently, e.g. by sawing it at an angle. The pros and cons of each…
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