Detection of radiation quanta using photodetector pixel array and pixel cell trigger state sensing circuit

摘要

The present invention relates to a radiation detector that integrates the number of light photons in a light pulse. Systems, methods, and computer program products are also disclosed. The radiation detection apparatus includes a photodetector pixel array having a plurality of pixel cells that can be triggered by light photons, a plurality of pixel cell trigger state sensing circuits, and an addition unit. Each pixel cell trigger state sensing circuit generates a digital signal having either a first predetermined amplitude that points to a triggered pixel cell or a second predetermined amplitude that points to an untriggered pixel cell. The summing unit generates an analog signal having an amplitude corresponding to the number of pixel cells triggered, thereby performing the desired integration. This analog signal may further cause the timing unit to generate a time stamp when a predetermined accumulated light photon count condition is met.