Multimedia imaging detectors operating on gas-solid-state ionization principles

The engineering design of a novel imaging detector, operating on gaseous solid-state ionization principles for slot-scan imaging radiation in two dimensions, is presented. The detector has two basic functional components: a noble gas filled detector volume operating on gas microstrip principles and a solid-state detector volume. An experimental arrangement has been established, where incident X-rays spend part of their energy in a xenon gas detector volume, and the other part through interactions with the solid-state detector volume, producing charge pairs in both cases. An applied electric field imparts a constant drift velocity to these charges, driving them toward their respective signal collectors. The detected signal and noise contributions were measured and related to the X-ray tube setting parameters within the diagnostic energy range at 1 and 2 atm (atmospheres) of xenon. Preliminary experimental results indicate that the test detector exhibits a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and linear response. The research imaging detector system allows one to investigate methods to improve the detection and imaging performance parameters as part of the development of a slot scanned dual-energy digital radiographic system.