Intra-oral sensor for computer aided radiography

Details Intra-oral sensor for computer aided radiography Intra-oral sensor for computer aided radiography

1992-10-16

1995-07-18

Fields, Carolyn E.

Radiant energy

Invisible radiant energy responsive electric signalling

Semiconductor system

25037009, 378191, G01T 124, A61B 614

Patent

active

054344182

ABSTRACT:
An intra-oral sensor for computer aided oral examination by means of low dosage x-rays in place of film and developer. The intra-oral sensor is exceedingly thin for proper mouth placement and in situ maneuvering, with an active area substantially equivalent to corresponding dental film sizes and a thickness of no more than about 3 mm. In addition, the sensor contains limited electronics and no optical elements, and is resistant to moisture and heat and is readily autoclaved. The sensor, consists of a thin, large area semiconductor image array such as a modified charge coupled device (CCD) or photodiode array, coated with a thin, epitaxial growth of a material such as thallium doped cesium iodide CsI(Tl). The coated sensor is bonded to and supported on a passivated ceramic chip, and has an integrated signal amplifier, with the entire assembly being coated with a protective inert plastic layer, e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene, which is pervious to x-ray radiation. The CsI(Tl) is sensitive to x-ray photons, efficiently converting them into visible photons in the 500-600 um range. To reduce light spreading within the CsI(Tl) layer, growth of the CsI(Tl) layer is directed into narrow (20 um) columns. Visible photons are detected by the large area semiconductor array and the output is monitored by a computer until polling of the CCD or photodiode array indicates that there is no further conducting. A signal thereafter causes a read out of the electrical charges for translation from analog to digital signals of images with computer display and analysis.

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