Computed tomography detector module

Abstract

A computed tomography detector module can include a detector element, a frame, and a converter element. The detector element can be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation at a detection plane and output one or more analog detection signals. The frame can connect to the detector element and include a shield portion, parallel to the detection plane, configured to at least partially block X-rays. The converter element can include a substrate having connector and component substrate portions, the connector substrate portion thicker in a direction perpendicular to the detection plane than the component substrate portion and configured to extend through an aperture of the frame, the component substrate portion having at least one substrate surface parallel to the detection plane with one or more electrical components attached thereto. The detector module can optionally include a heat sink, which can have a top surface separated from the component substrate portion and components attached thereto by a separation gap. A computed tomography scanner can include the detector module.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A computed tomography detector module, comprising:
 a detector element configured to detect electromagnetic radiation arriving at a detection plane;   a frame including a shield portion to at least partially block X-rays, the shield portion positioned between the detector element and a component portion of a converter element;   the converter element including the component portion; and   one or more circuit components attached to the component portion of the converter element.   
     
     
         24 . The computed tomography detector module of  claim 23 , wherein the shield portion includes a cross-sectional area having a projection, perpendicular to the detection plane of the detector element, that covers the one or more circuit components. 
     
     
         25 . The computed tomography detector module of  claim 23 , wherein the frame includes a plurality of legs extending away from the detector element in a direction perpendicular to the detection plane. 
     
     
         26 . The computed tomography detector module of  claim 23 , wherein the frame includes a top surface parallel to the detection plane and connected to a bottom surface of the detector element. 
     
     
         27 . The computed tomography detector module of  claim 23 , wherein the one or more circuit components include one or more analog-to-digital converter integrated circuits. 
     
     
         28 . The computed tomography detector module of  claim 23 , wherein the one or more circuit components include a plurality of components arranged in an array substantially parallel to the detection plane. 
     
     
         29 . The computed tomography detector module of  claim 23 , wherein the detector element includes a photodiode array. 
     
     
         30 . A computed tomography scanner, comprising the computed tomography detector module of  claim 23 .