Detector and Detector Array for Fast Time-resolved X-ray Single Photon Detection

Background:

Photodetectors capable of detecting a single photon are in increasing demand for applications such as quantum computing and imaging, time-of-flight LiDAR, and dark matter detection. One type of single-photon detection involves X-rays. Ultrafast single X-ray photon detectors can be used in time-of-flight 3D imaging with pulse X-ray sources, for plasma imaging and diagnostics of high-energy events. Perhaps more critically, these detectors can be essential for medical applications such as X-ray computed and positron emission tomography (CT and PET) with reduced radiation doses. Current detectors used for CT scanners and X-ray systems, however, have a number of limitations that affect their performance.

Technology Overview:

This technology is a single x-ray photon detector with high temporal resolution and high efficiency. The technology includes semiconductor devices of Groups III and V of the Periodic Table of Elements, assembled as pixels on a substrate. Each pixel includes a semiconductor transistor including an epitaxial layer having element(s) from each of Groups III and V of the Periodic Table, an anode electrically connected to a gate of the semiconductor transistor, and a cathode electrically connected to a drain of the semiconductor transistor. Photon(s) are caused to impinge the single-photon detector along a y-direction (long side of pixel) to provide adequate stopping power, and electron-hole pairs generated by the photon(s) are collected along an x-direction or z-direction (short sides of pixel) to provide short transit time. Detectors form an array of pixels for x-ray imaging with temporal resolution of single photons.

Advantages:

•    Fast.
•    Efficient.
•    Accurately measures photon time of arrival (resolution below 1 to 0.1 ns). 

Applications:

•    Medical applications such as X-ray computed tomography.
•    Synchrotron X-ray sources.
•    Free-electron lasers.

Intellectual Property Summary:

Issued patent: US Patent # 10,114,129, “Semiconductor detector for x-ray single-photon detection”.

Stage of Development:

TRL 3 - Experimental proof of concept

Licensing Status:

This technology is available for licensing.

Licensing Potential:

This technology would be of interest to anyone involved in single-photon X-ray detection,  including:
•    Manufacturers of medical devices.
•    Universities.
•    Research laboratories.