X-ray window with grid structure

Abstract

A window for a radiation detection system includes a plurality of intersecting ribs oriented non-perpendicularly with respect to each other. The plurality of intersecting ribs defines non-rectangular openings therebetween. A support frame is disposed around a perimeter of the plurality of intersecting ribs. A film is disposed over and spans the openings to pass radiation therethrough. The film and the plurality of intersecting ribs are integrally formed from a same material including a polymer.

1 . A window for a radiation detection system, the window comprising:
 a) a plurality of intersecting ribs oriented non-perpendicularly with respect to each other;   b) the plurality of intersecting ribs defining non-rectangular openings therebetween;   c) a support frame disposed around a perimeter of the plurality of intersecting ribs;   d) a film disposed over and spanning the openings to pass radiation therethrough; and   e) the film and the plurality of intersecting ribs being integrally formed from a same material including a polymer.   
   
   
       2 . A window as in  claim 1 , wherein the non-rectangular openings have a substantially parallelogram shape. 
   
   
       3 . A window as in  claim 1 , wherein at least one corner of each opening is partially filled with a same material as the plurality of ribs. 
   
   
       4 . A window as in  claim 1 , wherein the openings are hexagonal. 
   
   
       5 . A window as in  claim 1 , wherein at least one corner of the openings includes a fillet with a width greater than a width of the ribs. 
   
   
       6 . A window as in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of intersecting ribs, the support frame and the film are integrally formed of the same material. 
   
   
       7 . A window as in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of intersecting ribs comprise silicon, and wherein the film comprises a polymeric film. 
   
   
       8 . A window as in  claim 1 , wherein each rib comprising the plurality of intersecting ribs is about less than 100 μm wide. 
   
   
       9 . A window as in  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of ribs includes a first set of parallel ribs oriented non-orthogonal with respect to and intersecting a second set of parallel ribs. 
   
   
       10 . A window as in  claim 1 , further comprising a gas barrier film layer disposed over the film. 
   
   
       11 . A window for a radiation detection system, the window comprising:
 a) a plurality of intersecting ribs oriented non-perpendicularly with respect to each other;   b) the plurality of intersecting ribs defining non-rectangular openings therebetween;   c) the plurality of ribs including at least a first set of parallel ribs oriented non-perpendicularly with respect to and intersecting a second set of parallel ribs;   d) a support frame disposed around a perimeter of the plurality of intersecting ribs with ends of the plurality of intersecting ribs joined to the support frame;   e) a film disposed over and spanning the plurality of intersecting ribs and openings to pass radiation therethrough;   f) the film and the plurality of intersecting ribs being formed from a same material including a polymer;   g) the film having a thickness less than or equal to 1 μm;   h) each rib of the plurality of ribs having a width less than 100 μm; and   i) the openings forming between 75 and 90% of a total area within a perimeter of the support frame.   
   
   
       12 . A window as in  claim 11 , wherein the non-rectangular openings have a substantially parallelogram shape. 
   
   
       13 . A window as in  claim 11 , wherein at least one corner of each opening is partially filled with a same material as the plurality of ribs. 
   
   
       14 . A window as in  claim 11 , wherein the openings are hexagonal. 
   
   
       15 . A window as in  claim 11 , wherein at least one corner of the openings includes a fillet with a width greater than a width of the ribs. 
   
   
       16 . A window as in  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of intersecting ribs, the support frame and the film are integrally formed of the same material. 
   
   
       17 . A window as in  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of intersecting ribs comprise silicon, and wherein the film comprises a polymeric film. 
   
   
       18 . A radiation detection system comprising:
 a) a window to pass radiation therethrough, the window comprising:
 i) a plurality of intersecting ribs oriented non-perpendicularly with respect to each other; 
 ii) the plurality of intersecting ribs defining non-rectangular openings therebetween; 
 iii) a support frame disposed around a perimeter of the plurality of intersecting ribs; 
 iv) a film disposed over and spanning the plurality of intersecting ribs and openings to pass radiation therethrough; and 
 v) the film and the plurality of intersecting ribs being integrally formed from a same material including a polymer; and 
   b) a sensor disposed behind the window configured to detect radiation passing through the window.   
   
   
       19 . A radiation detection system as in  claim 18 , wherein at least one corner of each opening is partially filled with a same material as the ribs. 
   
   
       20 . A radiation detection system as in  claim 18 , wherein the plurality of ribs includes a first set of parallel ribs oriented non-orthogonal with respect to and intersecting a second set of parallel ribs.