X-ray detector having sensors and evaluation units

US6586743B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV · NL

Inventors

• Michael Overdick · Eschweiler, DE
• Josef Lauter · Geilenkirchen, DE
• Walter Rutten · Linnich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 24, 2001
• Grant date: Jul 1, 2003
• Expiry date: May 24, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01T1/17
• WIPO field: Environmental technology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An X-ray detector includes an array of X-ray sensitive sensors, each sensor including a conversion element which converts incident X-rays into electric charge pulses. The X-ray detector also includes an evaluation unit which is electrically connected to the conversion element in order to receive and evaluate the electric charge pulses. In order to form an X-ray detector which exhibits a high degree of linearity over a large dynamic range in conjunction with a higher maximum count rate and in order to avoid falsification of the calculated image by multiple counting of X-ray quanta, the evaluation unit includes a current/frequency converter as well as an electronic counter which is electrically connected thereto. The electric charge pulses from the conversion element are applied to the input of the current/frequency converter whose output pulses are applied to the electronic counter.