Patent ID: 6028313
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: G01T

Abstract:
A direct conversion photon detector comprising:an absorption member for absorbing photons, the member having oppositely facing cathode and anode surfaces and formed of a semiconductor material such that, when a photon is absorbed within the member, the member generates a plurality of holes and electrons;a cathode member attached to and essentially covering the cathode surface;a plurality of anode members including at least first and second anode members, each anode member attached to the anode surface, adjacent anode members separated by an electrode gap;at least one shaping electrode attached to the anode surface in the electrode gaps, the electrode and each adjacent anode member forming a space therebetween;a biaser linked to each of the cathode and electrode for rendering an electrode potential negative and rendering a cathode potential negative with respect to the electrode potential;a resistive member linking each anode member to at least one other anode member; andat least first and second amplifiers linked to the first and second anode members, the amplifiers generating position signals which can be used to estimate photon impact location with respect to the cathode surface.