Method and apparatus for a modular detector mount in a computed tomography scanner

摘要

In a computed tomography scanner, method and apparatus for mounting a plurality of detectors (98) in a position to measure x-radiation intensity from an x-ray source (40). The apparatus includes a module (50) for mounting a number of closely spaced detectors (98) in a circular array about a patient aperture (18). Each module (50) supports sixty closely spaced detectors (98) so that the entire array of 1200 detectors requires twenty such modules. In addition to the detectors, each module supports electronics (96, 94) for converting an analog signal from the detectors into a sequence of pulses where the pulse repetition rate is related to the x-ray intensity impinging on a detector. The modules can be readily removed from a stationary scanner gantry for service or replacement. When in place, the modules define a passageway (112) through which cool air is routed to cool the detectors (98) and thereby reduce their noise.