Plasma panel based radiation detector

Abstract

A position-sensitive radiation counting detector includes a first and a second substrate. A gas is contained within the gap between the substrates. A photocathode layer is coupled to the first substrate and faces the second substrate. A first electrode is coupled to the second substrate and a second electrode is electrically coupled to the first electrode. A first impedance is coupled to the first electrode and a power supply is coupled to at least one electrode. A first discharge event detector is coupled to one of the electrodes for detecting a gas discharge event in the electrode. The radiation counting detector further includes a plurality of pixels, each capable of outputting a gas discharge counting event pulse upon interaction with radiation received from the photocathode. Each gas discharge pulse is counted as having an approximately equal value.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A radiation counting detector comprising:
 a first substrate;   a second substrate generally parallel to said first substrate and forming a gap with said first substrate;   a gas contained within said gap;   a photocathode layer coupled to said first substrate and facing said second substrate;   at least one first electrode coupled to said second substrate;   at least one second electrode electrically coupled to said first electrode;   a first impedance coupled to said first electrode;   a second impedance coupled to said second electrode;   a power supply coupled to at least one of said electrodes;   a first discharge event detector coupled to said first impedance;   a second discharge event detector coupled to said second impedance; and   a plurality of pixels, each pixel capable of outputting a gas discharge pulse upon interaction with radiation received from said photocathode.