Patent ID: 7135687
Filing Date: 2006-11-14
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A detector assembly for use in a computed tomography scanner, the detector assembly comprising: a detector array; a thermoelectric cooler coupled to the detector array; a temperature sensor coupled to the detector array; a heater, coupled to a center portion of the detector array; a controller device, the controller device being electrically coupled to the temperature sensor to receive an actual temperature signal and to the thermoelectric cooler to provide an adjustable power to the thermoelectric cooler, the controller device comparing the actual temperature signal to a set point value and adjusting the power supply to the thermoelectric cooler to selectively heat or cool the detector array and driving the heater to maintain the actual temperature substantially at the set point; wherein the controller drives the thermoelectric cooler and the heater to provide a selected nonuniform temperature profile along the array.