dpiX Amorphous Silicon (a-Si) X-ray Image Sensor Array Technology
dpiX
proprietary amorphous silicon thin-film transistor (TFT) technology, combined
with advanced n-i-p photo detector technology, is backed by over 85 patents. Our
technology enables digital X-ray sensors to produce film-like resolution in
lightweight, compact packaging. Our a-Si arrays are compatible with indirect
detection techniques using scintillating materials such as cesium-iodide, and we
also offer arrays for use with direct conversion photoconductors.
Each
dpiX image sensor contains an array of switching TFTs, one for each pixel. These
products are similar to very large integrated circuits, except that they are
manufactured onto sheets of glass, instead of purified silicon wafers. In
indirect detector arrays, the pixel structure has an additional light-sensitive
photodiode in each pixel.
The
fabrication of the pixel-addressing matrix for a large-format image sensor array
is essentially the same as that used for the active matrix liquid crystal
display (AMLCD). Like an AMLCD, a matrix of TFTs is used to address each pixel
location.
In the
structure of TFT-based large-format image sensor array, data signals are "read
out" from the array rather than "written into" it creating a digital file that
represents a two-dimensional image. Instead of using voltage levels to adjust
the light throughput in a display pixel, each sensor pixels senses a charge and
converts it to an electrical signal.
dpiX
technology provides arrays that have:
Engineering Strength
dpiX
engineers custom designs to meet the exacting requirements of our customers. Our
Design and Integration Engineering group spearheads the development of core
processes and materials development. Our Process Engineering team performs
manufacturing optimization and continuous process improvement. All of our
Engineering, Manufacturing and Test teams work closely with our customers to
ensure that design, quality and reliability requirements are realized through
the entire product lifecycle.
Design Capability
dpiX has
successfully designed and implemented many different medical imaging array
product designs optimized for different applications. This experience has
allowed us to accurately translate pixel design parameters into system
performance criteria such as sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range,
response time and defect levels.
Product Specific Process Optimization
Our
extensive research and development background includes ongoing partnerships with
government, industry and university leaders to explore new a-Si array materials
and technologies. We provide custom processing solutions to meet new
specifications and process architectures.
Typical Application
A
patient or other target is placed between the X-ray source and the dpiX array,
which is the heart of the detector subsystem. Digital images captured by the
dpiX array are transmitted to a local computer for viewing, then passed on to a
secondary computer or server for storage and transmission.