Jan-2019
An overall objective of this project is to build and verify a full field of view spectral photon counting detector system and integrate into a state-of-the-art CT Gantry. The current period started with the creation of a complete system requirement specification, defining any changes or updates to the commercial gantry needed for successful integration. This included an overview of current thermal system, software and calibration, power, space, weight, data transfer etc. In addition, the specification for the photon counting system was approved.
Feb-2019
The new ASIC was evaluated and verified in benchtop measurements using a verification board, specifically developed for this purpose. A comparison to design targets was made. The changes compared to former ASIC version was documented to keep track of the development. The conclusion was that the new ASIC was ready for tape out.
March-2019
The new sensor design was verified in probe tests. The sensor design was evaluated against certain acceptance criteria, defined in a specific sensor acceptance test criteria document. The main results showed no significant defects or other problem identified, and the sensor concluded to be ready for production
April-2019
A first prototype for the new collimator specifically designed for the novel detector, was fabricated. Specifically, the collimator prototype plate positioning was evaluated against upper specification limits, defined with respect to risk of spectral artefacts. The results of plate position measurements for collimator prototype testing indicates that the current prototype could be used for continued evaluation.
July-2019
Production of detector parts was started, including programming of automatic robot assembly and testing equipment. Several detector parts were produced and verified using thickness measurements on robot and x-ray functional testing. In addition, reliability was evaluated using temperature-humidity-bias testing (THB), temperature cycling and radiation hardness testing. All detector parts were measured for surface deviation from specification limits in robot. In summary, the majority of detector parts fulfilled the thickness, THB, temperature cycling and radiation hardness requirements which indicates that the design is reliable.
July-2019
The results of the ASIC probe testing were delivered by wafer maps and only ASICs passing the production probe testing are now used for detector builds.
Aug-2019
Sensors from the second batch were evaluated by probing after singulation. To enable this, Prismatic Sensors developed a probe card. The results of sensor probe measurement indicated that the second sensor batch could be used for detector production.
Aug-2019
One full detector module was mounted in a CT gantry at Prismatic facilities. This included fabrication of new module boards, and improvements of gantry thermal system according to system specification. In addition, the mechanical interface (module-to-gantry) was updated. To evaluate the accuracy in mounting and assembly, an edge sweep was performed. The x-ray performance of the detector module was evaluated. In summary, the detector module is working and counting x-rays.
The main result of this period is that a full detector module including collimator has been evaluated in a CT gantry, including reliability testing, and confirmed working.
Sep-2019 – Oct-2020
All detector modules were mounted in a CT gantry at Prismatic facilities. The full detector was validated in terms of image quality, as well as accuracy in assembly and mounting.
The main result of this period is that a full detector including collimators has been evaluated in a CT gantry, including reliability testing, and confirmed working.
