Novel direct digital modular x-ray device and system

Abstract

We present an update on a novel direct digital X-ray imaging device and system. The system comprises a mosaic of hybrid solid state semiconductor devices removably mount onto a master plane covering an imaging surface of any desirable shape and size. Each imaging device comprises a pixel semiconductor detector flip-chip joined to a CMOS ASIC. Monolithic CdZnTe and Si pixel detectors with dimensions 12.2 X 4.2 mm<SUP>2</SUP> and 18.9 X 9.6 mm<SUP>2</SUP> have been implemented with a pixel pitch of 35 micrometer. Each circuit on the ASIC, corresponding to a detector pixel, is capable of accumulating thousands of X-rays in the diagnostic energy spectrum with high efficiency (CdZnTe) and user accumulation times ranging from just a few ms to a few s. Individual, removable tiles are combined in a mosaic providing continuous large area imaging with no inactive regions. This tiling approach allows for cost efficient replacement of defective tiles. The packaging delivers a compact, lightweight, portable cassette whose thickness is around 2.0 cm. The basic hybrid detector design and tiling scheme are generic and may be used in mammography, conventional radiography and fluoroscopy. A special tiling scheme has been designed for use in intraoral imaging. We present our measured Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE). Images taken with hard objects, phantoms and soft tissue further demonstrate system functionality and provide a comparison with radiographic film and CR plates. The first application of the new technology is intended for the field of dental imaging, mammographic biopsy and other small area medical applications (approximately 10 - 30 cm<SUP>2</SUP> imaging area) as well as Small Area Non Destructive Testing.