Detection Technology introduces modular high-speed CT detector

Detection Technology has introduced X-Tile HS, a modular X-ray detector designed for high-speed computed tomography (CT), with an architecture that allows manufacturers to assemble different detector configurations using a common four-side tileable module.

The Finnish company has developed the detector for conventional rotating scanners and stationary multi-source CT systems. Each module incorporates 512 sensing pixels, on-module digitisation, and a high-speed digital interface, allowing individual tiles to be combined into detector arrays with different dimensions.

X-Tile HS extends Detection Technology’s existing X-Tile architecture with faster acquisition capabilities, including integration times down to 50 microseconds. The company identifies diagnostic whole-body scanning, cardiac imaging, image-guided radiotherapy, compact CT, and stationary systems among the potential applications.

Computed tomography reconstructs internal anatomical structures from a sequence of X-ray measurements. Radiation passing through the patient is attenuated by different tissues before reaching the detector, which converts the remaining X-ray energy into electrical information for subsequent reconstruction.

The detector must capture changes in signal intensity across a wide measurement range while maintaining sufficient spatial resolution and consistency between channels. Electronic noise, detector geometry, sampling speed, and the response of the scintillator all influence the projection data available to the reconstruction system.

X-Tile HS uses a 32 × 16 pixel configuration, providing 512 pixels within a module measuring 35.74 × 16.86 × 11.35 mm. The design maintains a pixel pitch of 1.12 mm in the axial direction and 1.06 mm in the transaxial direction, including across the boundaries between adjoining modules.

Maintaining a consistent pitch is important when modules are assembled into larger arrays. Changes in the spacing or position of sensing elements can complicate geometric calibration and introduce discontinuities that must be accounted for during reconstruction.

Detection Technology’s four-side tileable arrangement allows modules to be combined in both axial and transaxial directions. This provides flexibility over detector geometry without requiring a completely different sensing element for every scanner configuration.

The new module supports integration times from 50 microseconds to 1.6 milliseconds. Integration time determines how long the sensing electronics collect a signal before the measurement is read out, creating a balance between acquisition speed and the amount of information collected during each exposure.

Short integration periods are particularly relevant where the X-ray source produces brief pulses or the scanner operates at high acquisition rates. Detection Technology states that the detector maintains a linear response down to 50 microseconds, supporting the short exposure periods associated with stationary multi-source architectures.

Unlike conventional scanners that rely on a rotating X-ray source and detector arrangement, stationary systems can use multiple sources positioned around the imaging region. Their acquisition electronics must accommodate the timing and intensity of the individual source exposures while maintaining consistent measurements across the detector array.

The detector uses a medical-grade gadolinium oxysulphide scintillator with low afterglow, combined with backside-illuminated photodiodes. Incoming X-rays produce visible light within the scintillator, and the photodiodes convert that light into electrical signals for measurement.

Low scintillator afterglow helps reduce the persistence of signal between successive exposures. This characteristic becomes important when measurements are acquired rapidly, as residual light from an earlier exposure can affect the information collected during the next acquisition interval.

The sensing electronics incorporate a 24-bit analogue-to-digital converter with simultaneous sampling and an automatically scaling full-scale range. Detection Technology specifies a dynamic range of 121 dB, allowing the detector to capture signals across substantially different intensity levels.

Dynamic range is important because X-ray attenuation can vary considerably across different anatomical structures. Strongly attenuating regions produce relatively weak detector signals, while less attenuating regions allow more radiation to reach the sensing elements.

The manufacturer describes X-Tile HS as suitable for low-dose imaging, supported by its noise performance, conversion architecture, and scintillator characteristics. However, the radiation dose and diagnostic performance of a completed scanner depend on the X-ray source, acquisition protocol, reconstruction software, and the complete detector system.

The module has a typical electrical power consumption of 0.65 W at 25°C. Its 11.35 mm height and relatively low thermal load are intended to simplify mechanical integration and cooling, particularly where radial space inside a rotating gantry is restricted.

Embedded tungsten shielding is included within the module, alongside precision mounting features intended to assist positioning and anti-scatter grid alignment. Accurate mechanical assembly remains necessary because the relationship between the detector, X-ray source, and surrounding structures affects measurement geometry.

Electrical integration uses a high-speed LVDS digital interface. Manufacturers can connect the detector directly to their own readout electronics or use Detection Technology’s X-Tile HS data acquisition system.

One acquisition unit supports a 2 × 4 arrangement of eight detector modules, giving a maximum capacity of 4,096 pixels and 128 slices. A 256-slice configuration can use two acquisition units in the arrangement specified by the manufacturer.

The acquisition hardware can also connect with Detection Technology’s AIDA platform, which provides additional components for combining detector data and transferring it towards the host imaging system.

Samples and evaluation kits are available from Detection Technology. This establishes a route for scanner manufacturers to begin assessing the module, although the company has not disclosed individual customer qualification results or commercial scanner programmes using the new detector.

Detection Technology plans to demonstrate X-Tile HS and its associated acquisition electronics at RSNA 2026 in Chicago from 29 November to 2 December. The next development steps will involve evaluation within complete scanner architectures, including geometric calibration, acquisition timing, image reconstruction, and system-level performance testing.