CT detector reflector useful in detector scintillator array

Abstract

A method for making a detector array comprising a photosensor and scintillators, including placing a thermoplastically encased reflective film between scintillators of a scintillator array and optically coupling the scintillators with the photo sensor.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for fabricating a detector array including a photosensor and scintillators, said method comprising the steps of: 
 placing a thermoplastically encased reflective film between the scintillators of a scintillator array; and    optically coupling the scintillators with the photosensor.    
     
     
         2 . A method in accordance with claim I wherein the encased reflective film is prepared by positioning a reflective film within a thermoplastic closure and affixing said thermoplastic closure to the film.  
     
     
         3 . A method in accordance with  claim 2  wherein said step of affixing comprises laminating the thermoplastic closure to the reflective film.  
     
     
         4 . A method in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the reflective film is encased in a process comprising depositing the reflective film directly on a thermoplastic sheet and laminating it with another layer of thermoplastic material.  
     
     
         5 . A method in accordance with  claim 2  wherein said reflective film is low x-ray damageable.  
     
     
         6 . A photodetector array comprising: 
 an array of scintillators optically coupled to a photosensor array; and    a thermoplastically cased reflective film positioned between said scintillators of said array of scintillators.    
     
     
         7 . The photodetector array of  claim 6 , wherein said array is employed in a computed tomograph imaging system.  
     
     
         8 . The photodetector array of  claim 7  wherein said reflective film is thermoplastically encased in a process comprising depositing the reflective film directly on a thermoplastic sheet and laminating it with another layer of thermoplastic material.  
     
     
         9 . The photodetector array of  claim 8  wherein said reflective film is low x-ray damageable.  
     
     
         10 . A computed tomograph imaging system comprising a rotating gantry, a radiation source, and a detector array on the rotating gantry configured to detect attentuated radiation from the radiation source passing through an object between the radiation source and the detector array, the detector array comprising a photosensor array, an array of scintillators, and a thermoplastically encased reflective film to said scintillator array, optically coupling said photosensor array to said scintillator array, said thermoplastically encased reflective film positioned between scintillators of said scintillator array.  
     
     
         11 . The imaging system of  Claim 10  wherein the object is a patient.  
     
     
         12 . The imaging system of  claim 10  wherein said reflective film is encased in a process comprising depositing the reflective film directly on a thermoplastic sheet and laminating it with another layer of thermoplastic material.  
     
     
         13 . The imaging system of  claim 10  wherein said reflective film is low x-ray damageable.  
     
     
         14 . A method for detecting radiation in a radiation detection system including a radiation source, a detector array configured to detect attenuated radiation from the radiation source passing through an object between the radiation source and the detector array, the detector array including a photosensor array and an array of scintillators optically coupled to the photosensor array and a thermoplastically encased reflective film between the scintillators of the scintillator array, said method comprising the steps of: 
 emitting radiation directed at the object;    reflecting light from the thermoplastic reflective film and transmitting light generated by the scintillators to the photosensor array; and    generating an electrical output detection signal representative of light impacting the photosensor.    
     
     
         15 . A method in accordance with  claim 14  wherein the object is a patient.  
     
     
         16 . A method in accordance with  claim 14  wherein said reflective film is encased in a process comprising depositing the reflective film directly on a thermoplastic sheet and laminating it with another layer of thermoplastic material.  
     
     
         17 . A method in accordance with claim  14 wherein the reflective film is low x-ray damageable.  
     
     
         18 . A method in accordance with  claim 14  wherein the detection signal is fed to a DAS system.  
     
     
         19 . A method in accordance with  claim 14  wherein said reflective film is encased.