RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to and is a continuation in part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/425,336, filed February 06, 2017, and entitled "Reduced Airborne Contamination Detector Heads," which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/671,039, filed March 27, 2015, and entitled "Reduced Airborne Contamination Detector Heads." The entire subject matter of both the 14/671,039 application and the 15/425,336 application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to medical imaging systems, and more particularly to reduction of airborne radiation contamination for detector heads.

[0003] In nuclear medicine (NM) imaging, such as single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, radiopharmaceuticals may be administered internally to a patient. Detectors (e.g., gamma cameras), typically installed on a gantry, capture the radiation emitted by the radiopharmaceuticals and this information is used, by a computer, to form images. The NM images primarily show physiological function of, for example, the patient or a portion of the patient being imaged. Detectors, however, may be subject to contamination from airborne radiation, such as a radiopharmaceutical that has been inhaled by a patient for imaging one or more aspects of the lungs and subsequently exhaled. Such contamination from airborne radiation negatively affects image quality, and may require re-imaging of the patient. The contamination degrades the performance of NM cameras as it may enter into the collimator and then have a profound effect on the detector, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] In accordance with an embodiment, a radiation detector head assembly is provided that includes a detector housing, a detector unit, and a fastener. The detector housing defines a cavity therein, and includes a shielding body disposed at least partially around the cavity. The detector unit is disposed within the cavity, and includes an absorption member and associated processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to generate electronic signals responsive to radiation received by the absorption member. The fastener extends through the detector housing, and is accepted by the detector unit to secure the detector unit to the detector housing.

[0005] In accordance with another embodiment, a radiation detector head assembly is provided that defines a first end and a second end. The radiation detector head assembly includes a rotor assembly, a stator assembly, rotor processing circuitry, and a drive belt. The rotor assembly includes at least one detector unit extending along an axis of the radiation detector head assembly, and is configured to pivot about a shaft extending along the axis. The stator assembly includes a frame and a motor mounted to the frame. The motor is coupled to the rotor assembly and is configured to pivot the rotor assembly about the axis. The rotor processing circuitry is operably coupled to the rotor assembly, and is configured to rotate with the rotor assembly. The drive belt couples the motor with the rotor assembly. The drive belt is interposed between the first end and the second end. The drive belt defines an outboard side interposed between the drive belt and the first end, and defines an inboard side interposed between the drive belt and the second end. The rotor processing circuitry is disposed on the outboard side.

[0006] In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided that includes providing a detector housing defining a cavity therein. The detector housing includes a shielding body disposed at least partially around the cavity. The method also includes disposing a detector unit within the cavity. The detector unit includes an absorption member and associated processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to generate electronic signals responsive to radiation received by the absorption member. Further, the method includes securing the detector unit to the detector housing with a fastener extending through the detector housing and into the detector unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 provides a schematic sectional view of a radiation detector head assembly according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 provides a side view of the radiation detector head assembly of Figure 1.

[0009] Figure 3 provides a schematic sectional view of a radiation detector head assembly according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 provides a side schematic sectional view of a radiation detector head assembly according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 provides a perspective view of a rotor assembly for the radiation detector head of Figure 4.

[0012] Figure 6 provides a side view of a radiation detector head assembly according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 shows a schematic view of an imaging system, according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 provides a schematic sectional view of a radiation detector head assembly according to an embodiment. [0015] Figure 9 provides a perspective schematic view of a radiation detector head assembly according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 provides an enlarged view of a first end of the radiation detector head assembly of Figure 9.

[0017] Figure 11 depicts a sectional perspective view of the radiation detector head assembly of Figure 9.

[0018] Figure 12 illustrates a schematic view of a motor assembly according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 13 provides a perspective view of a spiral cable for the detector head assembly of Figure 9.

[0020] Figure 14 depicts a sectional view of a second end the radiation detector head assembly of Figure 9.

[0021] Figure 15 provides a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments and claims, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. To the extent that the figures illustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of various embodiments, the functional blocks are not necessarily indicative of the division between hardware circuitry. Thus, for example, one or more of the functional blocks (e.g., processors, controllers or memories) may be implemented in a single piece of hardware (e.g., a general purpose signal processor or random access memory, hard disk, or the like) or multiple pieces of hardware. Similarly, the programs may be stand alone programs, may be incorporated as subroutines in an operating system, may be functions in an installed software package, and the like. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

[0023] As used herein, the terms "system," "unit," or "module" may include a hardware and/or software system that operates to perform one or more functions. For example, a module, unit, or system may include a computer processor, controller, or other logic-based device that performs operations based on instructions stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer memory. Alternatively, a module, unit, or system may include a hard-wired device that performs operations based on hard-wired logic of the device. Various modules or units shown in the attached figures may represent the hardware that operates based on software or hardwired instructions, the software that directs hardware to perform the operations, or a combination thereof.

[0024] "Systems," "units," or "modules" may include or represent hardware and associated instructions (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform one or more operations described herein. The hardware may include electronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or more logic -based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like. These devices may be off-the-shelf devices that are appropriately programmed or instructed to perform operations described herein from the instructions described above. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of these devices may be hard-wired with logic circuits to perform these operations.

[0025] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

[0026] Various embodiments provide detector head assemblies that are sealed or protected against radioactive gas or aerosol from a surrounding environment. For example, radioactive gas or aerosol may enter a detector head with a stream of cooling air forced into the detector head by a cooling fan. Even a relatively small amount of such contamination may cause a high count rate, for example due to proximity to a detector. Such contamination may be hard to remove and may remain until the radioactivity decays naturally, a process that may take up to a few days (depending on the half-life of the isotope). Contamination with a shield, for example inside the bores of a collimator, or near a detector crystal, may cause false counts and cause reduction in image quality. It may be noted that in various embodiments the collimator is constructed to pass only a small fraction of the incoming Gamma rays, for example 1 in 10,000. Thus, even a small amount of radioactive source between the collimator and the detector may cause exposure of the detector to radiation flux large enough to create artifacts in the detected image.

[0027] In various embodiments, a thin sheet or plate (e.g., plastic) may be placed on a collimator, sealing the collimator bores and preventing contamination of the bores by airborne radioactive contaminants. The thickness and composition of the sheet in various embodiments is selected such that the sheet will cause only small or negligible attenuation of the incoming Gamma rays, yet the sheet will be impervious to gas and aerosol. In some embodiments, a cooling airflow may be directed solely or principally over heat sink fins, to avoid direction of the airflow (which may include airborne radioactive contaminants) over or near the collimator. For example, the fins may be covered with a guide or cover, to create an air conduit. Air from a fan may be directed into the conduit, with air exiting the conduit directed out of the detector head cover. In some embodiments, a heat exchanger (e.g., utilizing closed-loop cooling) may be used to help keep cooling air clean or free of radioactive contaminants. For example, cooling air in contact with a detector may be circulated by a fan such that spent air returns within a detector head cover, with an outside air source used to cool the air circulated and contained within the detector head cover. In some embodiments, a thermoelectric cooling device (e.g., utilizing the Peltier effect). In some embodiments, the temperature within the detector head may be lowered below room temperature, in some embodiments the temperature may be maintained at or near room temperature, and in some embodiments, the temperature may be maintained at a stable temperature that is above room temperature.

[0028] A technical effect of at least one embodiment includes improved image quality (e.g., due to reduced confounding effects of airborne radiation). A technical effect of at least one embodiment includes reduction of airborne radiation entering a detector head assembly or components thereof, such as a collimator. A technical effect of at least one embodiment includes improved detector performance (e.g., due to reduced temperature of an operating environment within a rotor assembly). A technical effect of at least one embodiment includes reduction in the number of re-scans performed to replace scans negatively affected by airborne radiation contamination. A technical effect of at least one embodiment includes reduced cost of manufacture and/or assembly. A technical effect of at least one embodiment includes reduced overall length of detector column relative to a length covered by imaging detectors.

[0029] Figure 1 provides a sectional schematic view of a radiation detector head assembly 100 in accordance with various embodiments, and Figure 2 provides a side view of the radiation detector head assembly 100 with the cover shown in phantom. It may be noted that the radiation detector head assembly 100 may be utilized in connection with medical imaging (e.g., nuclear medicine (NM) imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), or the like). For example, the radiation detector head assembly 100 may be a portion of an imaging system configured to image an object 102 (or a portion thereof). In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation detector head assembly 100 includes an arm 113 that may adjustably couple the radiation detector head assembly 100 to a gantry (not shown) of an imaging system. It may be noted that, while only one radiation detector head assembly 100 is shown in Figure 1 for ease and clarity of illustration, multiple independently adjustable or positionable radiation detector head assemblies 100 may be employed in various embodiments. The radiation detector head assemblies may be define smaller individual fields of view that may be combined to provide a larger, combined field of view of an object being imaged. For example, the detector head assembly may be generally cylindrically shaped with a diameter of about 2.5 inches and a length of about 14 inches.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the depicted radiation detector head assembly 100 includes a detector housing 110 and a rotor assembly 120. The rotor assembly 120 is disposed within the detector housing 110 and is configured to be rotated in a rotational direction 105 about an axis 102. Rotation of the rotor assembly 120 may be performed to orient a detector with the rotor assembly in a desired orientation with respect to the object 102 being imaged.

[0031] As seen in Figure 1, the depicted detector housing 110 defines a cavity 112 therein, with the rotor assembly 120 disposed within the cavity 112. The depicted detector housing 112 includes a detector cover 116 (within which the cavity 112 is defined) and an arm cover 114 for an arm 113 used to articulate the radiation detector assembly 110 relative to a gantry (not shown) or other structure to which the radiation detector assembly 100 is mounted via the arm 113. All or a portion of the detector housing 110 may be made from a light, strong material that is generally transparent to radiation emitted from an object being imaged, such as carbon fiber. All or a portion of the detector housing 110 may include a metal lining or other structure configured to address, reduce, or eliminate electromagnetic interference (EMI).

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in Figure 1, the rotor assembly 120 includes a detector unit 130, a collimator 140, a body 150, and a sealing member 142. Generally, the detector unit 130 is configured to detect radiation emitted from the object 102 (e.g., a human patient). The collimator 140 is interposed between the detector unit 130 and the object 102, and is configured to control angles at which radiation is allowed to pass to the detector unit 130 from the object 102 in an imaging direction 104. For example, the collimator 140 in some embodiments includes an array of tubes having small diameter holes configured to allow passage of photons only in a generally normal direction to a detector surface of the detector unit 130. The detector unit 130 includes an absorption member 132 and associated processing circuitry 134. Generally, the absorption member 132 is configured to receive radiation passing through the collimator 140 and to generate electronic signals, in conjunction with the processing circuitry 134, in response to radiation received and/or absorbed by the absorption member 132. The absorption member 132 may be formed of a semiconductor material, such as Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe), often referred to as CZT, Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), or Silicon (Si), among others. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 150 is configured as and may also be understood as a radiation shielding unit. For example, the body 150 partially surrounds the detector unit 130, and is configured of a material (e.g., Lead or Tungsten, among others) that blocks, limits, inhibits, and/or prevents the passage of radiation emitted from the object 102 therethrough. An opening 152 is defined by the body 150 and generally oriented in the imaging direction 104 allowing the passage of radiation emitted from the object 102 to pass on to the collimator 140 and the detector unit 130. Generally, in the illustrated embodiment, the body 150 acts to block radiation from entering the absorption member 132 from any orientation or direction other than via the collimator 140.

[0033] It may be noted that, in use, the processing circuitry 134 may generate an amount of heat that can potentially affect performance of the detector unit 130. Accordingly, air may be directed over the rotor assembly 120 including the detector unit 130 to cool the detector unit 130 and prevent or inhibit loss of performance due to heating of the detector unit 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 150 (within which the collimator 140 and detector unit 130 are disposed) is spaced at a distance from an interior surface of the detector housing 110, thereby defining a passageway 154. The passageway 154 extends circumferentially around the rotor assembly 120 (e.g., around the body 150) and also extends axially or along the length of the rotor assembly 120 and body 150. The passageway 154 thus allows for the passage of air (e.g., axially) over the body 150 as well as providing a clearance for rotational movement of the rotor assembly 120 with respect to the detector housing 110. For example, air may be passed over the rotor assembly 120 axially (e.g., in a direction parallel to or along the axis 102) and/or transversely (in a direction transverse to the axis 102 such as clockwise or counterclockwise around a cross-section of the rotor assembly 110).

[0034] However, if the air used to cool the detector unit 130 is drawn from the atmosphere surrounding an imaging system and the object 102 being imaged, air borne radiation may enter the space around the absorption unit 132 (e.g., in or near the collimator 140), confounding the detection of radiation emitted from the object 102. A relatively small amount of airborne radiation may overwhelm the radiation emitted from the object 102, resulting in unusable images and/or requiring a subsequent imaging. Further, airborne radiation trapped in a radiation detector head assembly may render the detector head assembly useless until the airborne radiation source sufficiently decays, which may take days or hours. Airborne radiation that enters the small bores of a collimator may be particularly troublesome, due to both proximity to the absorption unit 132 as well as difficulty of removal from the airborne radiation from the collimator tubes.

[0035] Airborne radiation may result, for example, from certain scans of the lungs of a patient. For example, a radiopharmaceutical may be introduced via an inhaled gas or aerosol into the lungs of a patient for imaging one or more aspects of the lungs of the patient. When the patient exhales, the radiopharmaceutical previously inhaled by the patient may be exhaled into the atmosphere surrounding the patient and the imaging system. While the radiopharmaceutical absorbed by the lungs results in photons emitted from the lungs that may be used to image the lungs, the airborne radiation provides a confounding or contaminating source of radiation that does not provide information on the anatomy of interest (e.g., the lungs or aspect thereof). Moreover, where the imaging equipment is used for more than one patient, the airborne radiation may remain in the atmosphere, confounding or contaminating imaging processes for subsequent patients.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member 142 reduces, prevents, inhibits, and/or eliminates the introduction of airborne radiation (in contrast to radiation emitted from the object 102) into the collimator 140, reducing the amount of airborne radiation that may reach into the collimator 140 or otherwise near the detector unit 130, as well as improving the ease of removal of airborne radiation from the radiation detector head assembly 110 (e.g., airborne radiation in the passageway 154 may be more easily removed by a passing airflow than airborne radiation in collimator tubes). Accordingly, image quality is improved and/or the number of re-scans required by confounding or contamination is reduced or eliminated.

[0037] The depicted sealing member 142 includes a sealing member body 144 that extends across the opening 152. The sealing member 142 (e.g., the sealing member body 144 of the sealing member) in the illustrated embodiment is mounted, joined, or otherwise coupled to the body 150 at locations around the perimeter of the opening 152. The sealing member 142 is mounted within the cavity 112 to provide a gas-tight seal along the imaging direction 104 between the passageway 154 and the collimator 140 (and detector unit 130). For example, the sealing member 142 may be welded to the body 150 or otherwise joined with an airtight fit, for example by use of a sealant configured to inhibit the passage of air at the junction of the sealing member 142 and the body 150. The sealing member 142 accordingly prevents or inhibits the passage of airborne radiation from an atmosphere surrounding the radiation detector head assembly 110 to the collimator 140 and the detector unit 130 (e.g., via the passageway 154). As seen in Figure 1 and 2, the sealing member 142 is joined via joints 143 that extend along the perimeter of the body 144. The joints 143 may represent or correspond to a sealant, a seal such as an O-ring, a weld, or other interface between the body 144 and the body 150 that prevents or inhibits the passage of air. [0038] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the body 144 is flat or planar, and may be mounted to the body 150 via one or more of a sealant, adhesive, or welding for example, to provide for sealing against the passage of airborne radiation into the opening 152. The body 144 may be formed from a material that is generally transparent to radiation, so that the body 144 inhibits or prevents the passage of air carrying airborne radiation into the opening 152 or collimator 140, while still allowing photons emitted from the object 102 to pass to the absorption unit 132 for use in imaging. For example, the body 144 may be formed from Aluminum. In other embodiments, the body 144 may mount directly to the collimator 140, for example as a wrapping that surrounds at least a portion of the collimator 140 including tube openings of the collimator 140.

[0039] As discussed herein, the body 150 partially surrounds the detector unit 130, and includes the opening 152 to allow the passage of radiation emitted from the object 102 to pass on to the collimator 140 and the detector unit 130. Generally, the body 150 acts to block radiation from entering the absorption member 132 from any orientation or direction other than via the collimator 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 150 comprises a shielding member 156 that is surrounded by a casing 158. For example, the shielding member 156 may be formed of a radiation blocking material such as Lead or Tungsten, while the casing 158 may be formed of a heat conducting material such as Aluminum. Aluminum provides for conduction of heat away from the center of the rotor assembly 110 and heat exchange with cooling air passing through the passageway 154, while also being relatively lightweight and providing sufficient structural strength for the rotor assembly 120 to maintain its shape during rotation. In some embodiments, the casing 158 may be formed from an extrusion, with the shielding member 156 added inside the extrusion (e.g., poured into the extrusion in a liquid or molten shape and allowed to solidify). In the illustrated embodiment, the casing 158 completely surrounds the shielding member 156, with the shielding member completely contained within an interior of the casing 158. [0040] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the casing 158 of the body 150 includes fins 160 formed along an exterior surface 159 of the casing. The fins 160 may extend along all of the length of the body 150 or a portion thereof. The fins 160 define openings extending into the body 150, allowing for increased surface area for improved heat exchange between the casing 158 and a cooling air flow while still allowing a generally circular cross-section for the rotor assembly 120 for interference free rotation within the detector housing 110 without requiring an overly large gap between the rotor assembly 120 and the detector housing 110. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the fins 160 extend axially along an exterior of the rotor assembly 110, with the depicted fins 160 extending axially along the exterior surface 159 of the casing 158. The axial orientation shown in Figure 1 provides for improved heat exchange with an air flow passing axially or lengthwise over the length of the rotor assembly 110. The fins 160 are disposed opposite the opening 152, providing for passage of the cooling air flow at a location on the opposite side of the rotor assembly 110, allowing for the cooling air to be routed where it will not pass over or near the opening 152, reducing the risk of contamination of the collimator 140 and/or confounding of imaging information acquired by the detector unit 130.

[0041] Further, in some embodiments, an additional guide may be employed to help contain the cooling air flow within a region proximate the fins and away from the opening 152. For example, Figure 3 provides a sectional schematic view of a radiation detector head assembly 300 in accordance with various embodiments. The radiation detector head assembly 300 may be generally similar in certain respects to the radiation detector head assembly 100. As seen in Figure 3, the radiation detector head assembly includes fins 360 that may be generally similar to the fins 160. However, the radiation detector head assembly 300 also includes a guide member 362 mounted to an exterior of the rotor assembly 120 and defining one or more passageways 363 between the guide member 362 and the fins 360. The guide member 362 may extend along all of the length of the radiation shielding unit or a portion thereof. The guide member 362 directs a cooling airflow over the fins 360 and inhibits, reduces, or prevents the passage of the airflow over or near the opening 152, thereby reducing the risk of contamination or confounding by airborne radiation. The guide member 362, for example, may include a mouth or duct configured to receive the airflow from an inlet on the exterior of the radiation detector head assembly 300.

[0042] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, the body 144 is generally planar and disposed proximate an end of the collimator 140 (and/or the opening 154). Other shapes may be employed for the body in various embodiments. For example, returning to the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, the radiation detector head assembly 300 includes a body 344 that is configured t conform to an interior shape of the detector housing 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the body 344 has a generally circular exterior so that the body 344 is concave with respect to the opening 152 of the radiation shielding unit. The extension of the body 344 away from the opening 152 and the collimator 140 limits the size of the passageway 154 proximate the opening 152 and the collimator 140 and reduces the available volume for potentially contaminated airborne radiation to accumulate or remain proximate the opening 152 and the collimator 140.

[0043] In various embodiments, additionally or alternatively to the use of a sealing member or other techniques disclosed herein, filtration may be employed to help reduce the amount of airborne radiation that enters a cooling flow of atmospheric air introduced into a radiation detector head assembly. For example, as best seen in Figure 2, the radiation detector head assembly 100 may include an inlet 170 to the passageway 154. Generally the inlet 170 provides a path or interface for fluid communication between the passageway 154 and the atmosphere surrounding the radiation detector head assembly 100. In some embodiments, an inlet 170 may provide an opening through which atmospheric air may pass freely and/or unassisted. In other embodiments, a valve and/or propulsion system (e.g., fan) may be used to control the flow of air through a radiation detector head assembly (e.g., a valve to limit or stop the flow of air, or a fan to increase the flow of air). In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation detector head assembly 100 includes a radiation filter 172 interposed between an atmospheric or other supply source of air and the rotor assembly 120 (e.g., interposed between the source of air and the passageway 154). The radiation filter 172 is configured to remove airborne radiation from an airflow entering the radiation detector head assembly 100 that will be used to remove heat from the rotor assembly 120. For example, the radiation filter 172 may include a charcoal bed.

[0044] In some embodiments, the radiation filter 172 may be removably coupled to the inlet, and may be selectively utilized to filter radiation for some imaging scans, and to not be employed for other imaging scans. Thus, the radiation filter 172 may be utilized when appropriate to reduce the risk of contamination by airborne radiation, and not used when not required or desirable, thereby increasing filter lifetime and/or improving airflow when the radiation filter 172 is not in use. For example, when an aerosol or other inhaled nuclear medicine radioactive material is to be inhaled (and consequently exhaled) by a patient, the radiation filter 172 may be selectively utilized. Further, the radiation filter 172 may be selectively utilized for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., remainder of a day, or remainder of a period of hours corresponding to an increased or undesired level of risk of contamination due to exhaled air remaining in an examination room after an examination using an inhaled radioactive material). The amount of time may be determined, for example, based on the quantity of radioactive material inhaled or otherwise administered, the size of the room, and the half-life of the radioactive material. In some embodiments, the radiation filter 172 may be selectively utilized (or not utilized) by attachment to the inlet 170 (or detachment from the inlet 170 when not in use). In some embodiments, the inlet 170 may include a bypass line, such that the inlet has a first branch that passes through the radiation filter 172 and a second branch that does not, with the first branch selected when use of the radiation filter 172 is desired, and the second branch selected when use of the radiation filter 172 is not desired.

[0045] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 1, a sealing member disposed proximate a collimator and radiation detector is used to help prevent, inhibit, or reduce the effect of airborne radiation on a radiation detector. Additionally or alternatively, in various embodiments, a passageway providing a cooling airflow to a rotor assembly may be enclosed from a surrounding environment. Figure 4 provides a side schematic sectional view of a radiation detector head assembly 400 formed in accordance with various embodiments, and Figure 5 provides a perspective view of a rotor assembly for the radiation detector head assembly 400.

[0046] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 4, the radiation detector head assembly 400 includes a detector housing 110, a rotor assembly 420, and a heat exchange unit 470. The rotor assembly 420 is configured to rotate in rotational direction 405 within the detector housing about an axis passing through the center of the rotor assembly 420. The rotor assembly includes a detector unit (not shown in Figure 4, see Figure 1 and related discussion), a collimator (not shown in Figure 4, see Figure 1 and related discussion), and a radiation shielding unit (not shown in Figure 4, see Figure 1 and related discussion) disposed therein, with the radiation shielding unit having an opening 452 through which radiation emitted from an object being imaged (e.g., a human patient) may pass uninhibited by a shielding material of the radiation shielding unit. Further, the rotor assembly 420 (e.g., the radiation shielding unit in which the detector unit and collimator are disposed) is disposed at a distance from the detector housing 110, defining a passageway 454 extending along the length of the rotor assembly 420. The passageway allows for a cooling airflow to pass over the rotor assembly 420, for example to remove heat generated by electronics of the detector unit of the rotor assembly 420. It may be noted that the radiation detector head assembly 400 may include various aspects generally similar to the radiation detector head assembly 100 not depicted and/or discussed in connection with Figure 4 for improved clarity of illustration. For example, the components of the rotor assembly 420 in various embodiments (e.g., radiation shielding unit, opening, collimator, detector unit) may be generally similar to those discussed in connection with Figure 1. Further still, additional embodiments are contemplated where various aspects of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 4 may be combined together (e.g., a transverse flow and/or orientation of fins in conjunction with various aspects of the radiation detector head assembly 100, an axial flow and/or orientation of fins in conjunction with various aspects of the radiation detector head assembly 400).

[0047] As seen in Figure 4, the detector housing 410 defines a first cavity 412 and a second cavity 414 inside the detector housing 410. The rotor assembly 420 is disposed within the first cavity 412 and configured to rotate within the first cavity 412, with the passageway 454 at least partially defined by a gap between an interior surface of the first cavity 412 and an exterior surface of the rotor assembly 420. The first cavity 412 is disposed adjacent the second cavity 414 along an interface 413. The interface 413 in the illustrated embodiment extends across the length and width of a shared surface of the first cavity 412 and the second cavity 414, and is generally air tight to prevent or inhibit fluid communication between the first cavity 412 and the second cavity 414. Accordingly, the first cavity 412 may be understood as defining a first volume and the second cavity 414 as defining a second volume, with the two volumes segregated from each other. The first cavity 412 is enclosed, and is not in fluid communication with an atmosphere 415 surrounding the exterior of the radiation detector head assembly, thereby preventing airborne radiation from the atmosphere 415 (e.g., airborne radiation exhaled by a patient) from entering the first cavity 412 and/or accumulating or collecting proximate to a collimator and/or detector unit of the rotor assembly 420. Air may circulate within the first cavity 412, for example, as shown by the arrows within the first cavity 412 in Figure 4.

[0048] The second cavity 414 is disposed adjacent the first cavity 412 along the interface, and is in fluid communication with the atmosphere 415 surrounding the exterior of the radiation detector head assembly 400. In the illustrated embodiment, an inlet 418 allows for the passage of air from the atmosphere 415 into the second cavity 414, and an outlet 419 allows for the passage of air from the second cavity 414 to the atmosphere 415. Thus, the second cavity 414 is open to the atmosphere 415, or not enclosed, whereas the first cavity 412 is not open to the atmosphere 415, or is enclosed. It may be noted that the first cavity 412 in various embodiments may have one or more valves and/or selectably closable openings wherein the first cavity 412 may be selectably opened and closed (e.g., for maintenance, repair, replacement of rotor assembly components, for adding air to the first cavity, for venting the first cavity, or the like). Generally, the first cavity 412 is enclosed during imaging of patients utilizing an inhaled nuclear imaging medicine. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cavity 414 is disposed above the first cavity 412 as seen in Figure 4, or opposite the opening 452. Accordingly, shielding material of the radiation shielding unit is interposed between the second cavity 414 (which may contain airborne radiation) and the detector unit of the rotor assembly 420 unless the rotor assembly 420 is rotated at least more than 90 degrees from the position shown in Figure 4. The size, shape, and orientation of the opening 452 may be configured to provide additional rotational ranges for which the shielding material remains interposed between the second cavity 414 and the detector unit of the rotor assembly 420. It may be noted that the second cavity 414 provides an example of an air supply external to the first cavity 412.

[0049] The depicted heat exchange unit 470 is disposed along the interface 413 between the first cavity 412 and the second cavity 413. The heat exchange unit 470 is configured to provide heat transfer between the first and second cavities. Thus, heat generated by a detector unit of the rotor assembly 420 may be transferred to air within the volume of the first cavity 412. Heat from the air in the first cavity 412 may be transferred to the second cavity 414 via the heat exchange unit 470, and the heat from the second cavity 414 may be dispersed to the atmosphere 415 (e.g., heated air from the second cavity 414 may be passed to the atmosphere 415 because the second cavity 414 is not enclosed). Accordingly, heat from the rotor assembly 420 may be removed from the first cavity 412 and dispersed to the atmosphere 415 while maintaining the rotor assembly 420 in an enclosed volume to prevent or reduce access to the rotor assembly 420 by airborne contamination. The heat exchange unit 470 may include one or more of a variety of structures and/or devices. For example, the heat exchange unit 470 may include fins distributed over a portion of a surface of the interface 413. It may be noted that the interface 413 may be formed of a thermally conductive material. Additionally or alternatively, the heat exchange unit 470 may include a heat exchanger utilizing a circulating cooling fluid, for example, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the heat exchange unit 470 may include a thermoelectric cooler (TEC). Use of a TEC, for example, may allow for use of a cooling temperature that is below room temperature for further improvement or enhancement of detector performance. Additionally, use of a cooling temperature that is below room temperature may reduce the risk or amount of condensation in or near electronics within the rotor assembly 420.

[0050] The rotor assembly 420 may include fins to improve heat transfer from the rotor assembly 420 to the air in the volume defined by the first cavity 412. In the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in Figure 5, the rotor assembly 420 includes fins 460 disposed on and/or formed in an exterior surface 459 of the rotor assembly 420. For example, the fins 460 may be formed on an exterior surface of a casing of a radiation shielding unit, similar to the fins 160. In the radiation detector head assembly 400 depicted in Figures 4 and 5, however, the fins 460 are oriented in a transverse direction that is normal or perpendicular to the axis about which the rotor assembly 420 rotates. For example, the fins 460 shown in Figure 5 extend circumferentially about the exterior of the rotor assembly 420.

[0051] Further, as best seen in Figure 4, the depicted radiation detector head assembly 400 includes a first air circulation unit 480 disposed with the first cavity 412. The first air circulation unit 480 is configured to provide an airflow over the fins 460 at least partially in the transverse direction (e.g., a direction along or tangent to the cross- section of the rotor assembly). Accordingly, the first air circulation unit 480 directs air in the first cavity 412 over the fins 460 and around the rotor assembly 420. The first air circulation unit 480 may include one or more fans mounted within the first cavity 412. The first air circulation unit 480 provides for improved or increased heat transfer from the rotor assembly 420.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the radiation detector head assembly 400 also includes a second air circulation unit 482. The second air circulation unit 482 is disposed within the second cavity 414 and is configured to provide an atmospheric air flow through the second cavity 414. For example, the second air circulation unit 482 may improve or increase the amount of air passing into the second cavity 412 via the inlet 418 and out of the outlet 419. Accordingly, the second air circulation unit 482 helps provide improved heat transfer from the radiation detector head assembly 400 to the atmosphere 415. It may be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, the first air circulation unit 480 and the second air circulation unit 482 are both oriented to direct air in a direction that is transverse to the axis about which the rotor assembly 420 rotates; however, other arrangements may be utilized in various embodiments. For example, the first air circulation unit 480 may be oriented as shown, but the second air circulation unit may be rotated 90 degrees and configured to direct air in the second cavity 414 axially along the length of the radiation detector head assembly 400. As another example, the second cavity 414 may be omitted, and the first cavity 412 may not be enclosed from the environment, but instead one or more radiation filters may be interposed between the first cavity and the atmosphere, allowing heat to be transferred directly from the rotor assembly 420 to the atmosphere 415 while still addressing or reducing the risk of airborne radiation contamination. As another example, while the inlet and outlet of the second cavity 414 are shown on opposite sides of the radiation detector head assembly, the inlet and outlet may be otherwise located, with ducting used to route air between the interior of the second cavity 414 and the inlet and outlet.

[0053] As discussed herein, a radiation detector head assembly may include a rotor assembly configured to rotate relative to a housing in which the rotor assembly is disposed. Figure 6 shows a side view of radiation detector head assembly 600, including a motor for rotating the rotor assembly within the housing, which may also be referred to as pivoting the radiation detector head assembly, formed in accordance with various embodiments. As seen in Figure 6, the depicted radiation detector head assembly 600 includes a motor 610, a pivot belt 612, a slip-ring 614, electronics module 616, a rotor 618, a stator 620, a collimator 622, and an air duct 624. A cover or housing for the radiation detector head assembly 600 has been removed for improved clarity and ease of illustration.

[0054] The motor 610 (e.g., an electric motor) may be controlled by a processing unit of an imaging system to rotate the rotor 618 (which may include one or more aspects of rotor assemblies discussed herein). The motor 610 is mounted to the stator 620, and is coupled to the rotor 618 via the pivot belt 612. The slip-ring 614 allows for electrical communication between the electronics module 616 (which rotates with the rotor 618) and electronics mounted to the stator 620 or other structure that does not rotate with the rotor 618. In some embodiments, the rotor 618 may rotate over a range of, for example, about 210 degrees to provide flexibility in orienting a detector of the radiation detector head assembly 600. The air duct 624 is in fluid communication with a passageway surrounding at least a portion of the rotor 618 to provide for heat removal from the rotor 618 using air from an atmosphere surrounding an imaging system including the radiation detector head assembly 600 and object being imaged. Additional discussion regarding example system including radiation detector head assemblies may be found in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/016,939, filed September 03, 2013, entitled "Methods And Systems For Controlling Movement Of Detectors Having Multiple Detector Heads," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0055] The embodiments described above and illustrated by other figures herein may be implemented in medical imaging systems, such as, for example, SPECT, SPECT- CT, PET and PET-CT. Various methods and/or systems (and/or aspects thereof) described herein may be implemented using a medical imaging system. For example, Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a NM imaging system 1000 having a plurality of imaging detector head assemblies mounted on a gantry (which may be mounted, for example, in rows, in an iris shape, or other configurations, such as a configuration in which the movable detector carriers 1016 are aligned radially toward the patient-body 1010). It should be noted that the arrangement of Figure 7 is provided by way of example for illustrative purposes, and that other arrangements (e.g., detector arrangements) may be employed in various embodiments. In the illustrated example, a plurality of imaging detectors 1002 are mounted to a gantry 1004. In the illustrated embodiment, the imaging detectors 1002 are configured as two separate detector arrays 1006 and 1008 coupled to the gantry 1004 above and below a subject 1010 (e.g., a patient), as viewed in Figure 7. The detector arrays 1006 and 1008 may be coupled directly to the gantry 1004, or may be coupled via support members 1012 to the gantry 1004 to allow movement of the entire arrays 1006 and/or 1008 relative to the gantry 1004 (e.g., transverse translating movement in the left or right direction as viewed by arrow T in Figure 7). Additionally, each of the imaging detectors 1002 includes a detector unit 1014, at least some of which are mounted to a movable detector carrier 1016 (e.g., a support arm or actuator that may be driven by a motor to cause movement thereof) that extends from the gantry 1004. In some embodiments, the detector carriers 1016 allow movement of the detector units 1014 towards and away from the subject 1010, such as linearly. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment the detector arrays 1006 and 1008 are mounted in parallel above and below the subject 1010 and allow linear movement of the detector units 1014 in one direction (indicated by the arrow L), illustrated as perpendicular to the support member 1012 (that are coupled generally horizontally on the gantry 1004). However, other configurations and orientations are possible as described herein. It should be noted that the movable detector carrier 1016 may be any type of support that allows movement of the detector units 1014 relative to the support member 1012 and/or gantry 1004, which in various embodiments allows the detector units 1014 to move linearly towards and away from the support member 1012.

[0056] Each of the imaging detectors 1002 in various embodiments is smaller than a conventional whole body or general purpose imaging detector. A conventional imaging detector may be large enough to image most or all of a width of a patient's body at one time and may have a diameter or a larger dimension of approximately 50 cm or more. In contrast, each of the imaging detectors 1002 may include one or more detector units 1014 coupled to a respective detector carrier 1016 and having dimensions of, for example, 4 cm to 20 cm and may be formed of Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) tiles or modules. For example, each of the detector units 1014 may be 8x8 cm in size and be composed of a plurality of CZT pixelated modules (not shown). For example, each module may be 4x4 cm in size and have 16x16=256 pixels (pixelated anodes). In some embodiments, each detector unit 1014 includes a plurality of modules, such as an array of 1 x 7 modules. However, different configurations and array sizes are contemplated including, for example, detector units 1014 having multiple rows of modules.

[0057] It should be understood that the imaging detectors 1002 may be different sizes and/or shapes with respect to each other, such as square, rectangular, circular or other shape. An actual field of view (FOV) of each of the imaging detectors 1002 may be directly proportional to the size and shape of the respective imaging detector.

[0058] The gantry 1004 may be formed with an aperture 1018 (e.g., opening or bore) therethrough as illustrated. A patient table 1020, such as a patient bed, is configured with a support mechanism (not shown) to support and carry the subject 1010 in one or more of a plurality of viewing positions within the aperture 1018 and relative to the imaging detectors 1002. Alternatively, the gantry 1004 may comprise a plurality of gantry segments (not shown), each of which may independently move a support member 1012 or one or more of the imaging detectors 1002.

[0059] The gantry 1004 may also be configured in other shapes, such as a "C", "H" and "L", for example, and may be rotatable about the subject 1010. For example, the gantry 1004 may be formed as a closed ring or circle, or as an open arc or arch which allows the subject 1010 to be easily accessed while imaging and facilitates loading and unloading of the subject 1010, as well as reducing claustrophobia in some subjects 1010.

[0060] Additional imaging detectors (not shown) may be positioned to form rows of detector arrays or an arc or ring around the subject 1010. By positioning multiple imaging detectors 1002 at multiple positions with respect to the subject 1010, such as along an imaging axis (e.g., head to toe direction of the subject 1010) image data specific for a larger FOV may be acquired more quickly. [0061] Each of the imaging detectors 1002 has a radiation detection face, which is directed towards the subject 1010 or a region of interest within the subject.

[0062] The collimators 1022 (and detectors) in Figure 7 are depicted for ease of illustration as single collimators in each detector head. Optionally, for embodiments employing one or more parallel-hole collimators, multi-bore collimators may be constructed to be registered with pixels of the detector units 1014, which in one embodiment are CZT detectors. However, other materials may be used. Registered collimation may improve spatial resolution by forcing photons going through one bore to be collected primarily by one pixel. Additionally, registered collimation may improve sensitivity and energy response of pixelated detectors as detector area near the edges of a pixel or in-between two adjacent pixels may have reduced sensitivity or decreased energy resolution or other performance degradation. Having collimator septa directly above the edges of pixels reduces the chance of a photon impinging at these degraded-performance locations, without decreasing the overall probability of a photon passing through the collimator.

[0063] A controller unit 1030 may control the movement and positioning of the patient table 1020, imaging detectors 1002 (which may be configured as one or more arms), gantry 1004 and/or the collimators 1022 (that move with the imaging detectors 1002 in various embodiments, being coupled thereto). A range of motion before or during an acquisition, or between different image acquisitions, is set to maintain the actual FOV of each of the imaging detectors 1002 directed, for example, towards or "aimed at" a particular area or region of the subject 1010 or along the entire subject 1010. The motion may be a combined or complex motion in multiple directions simultaneously, concurrently, or sequentially.

[0064] The controller unit 1030 may have a gantry motor controller 1032, table controller 1034, detector controller 1036, pivot controller 1038, and collimator controller 1040. The controllers 1030, 1032, 1034, 1036, 1038, 1040 may be automatically commanded by a processing unit 1050, manually controlled by an operator, or a combination thereof. The gantry motor controller 1032 may move the imaging detectors 1002 with respect to the subject 1010, for example, individually, in segments or subsets, or simultaneously in a fixed relationship to one another. For example, in some embodiments, the gantry controller 1032 may cause the imaging detectors 1002 and/or support members 1012 to move relative to or rotate about the subject 1010, which may include motion of less than or up to 180 degrees (or more).

[0065] The table controller 1034 may move the patient table 1020 to position the subject 1010 relative to the imaging detectors 1002. The patient table 1020 may be moved in up-down directions, in-out directions, and right-left directions, for example. The detector controller 1036 may control movement of each of the imaging detectors 1002 to move together as a group or individually. The detector controller 1036 also may control movement of the imaging detectors 1002 in some embodiments to move closer to and farther from a surface of the subject 1010, such as by controlling translating movement of the detector carriers 1016 linearly towards or away from the subject 1010 (e.g., sliding or telescoping movement). Optionally, the detector controller 1036 may control movement of the detector carriers 1016 to allow movement of the detector array 1006 or 1008. For example, the detector controller 1036 may control lateral movement of the detector carriers 1016 illustrated by the T arrow (and shown as left and right as viewed in Figure 10). In various embodiments, the detector controller 1036 may control the detector carriers 1016 or the support members 1012 to move in different lateral directions. Detector controller 1036 may control the swiveling motion of detectors 1002 together with their collimators 1022. In some embodiments, detectors 1002 and collimators 1022 may swivel or rotate around an axis.

[0066] The pivot controller 1038 may control pivoting or rotating movement of the detector units 1014 at ends of the detector carriers 1016 and/or pivoting or rotating movement of the detector carrier 1016. For example, one or more of the detector units 1014 or detector carriers 1016 may be rotated about at least one axis to view the subject 1010 from a plurality of angular orientations to acquire, for example, 3D image data in a 3D SPECT or 3D imaging mode of operation. The collimator controller 1040 may adjust a position of an adjustable collimator, such as a collimator with adjustable strips (or vanes) or adjustable pinhole(s).

[0067] It should be noted that motion of one or more imaging detectors 1002 may be in directions other than strictly axially or radially, and motions in several motion directions may be used in various embodiment. Therefore, the term "motion controller" may be used to indicate a collective name for all motion controllers. It should be noted that the various controllers may be combined, for example, the detector controller 1036 and pivot controller 1038 may be combined to provide the different movements described herein.

[0068] Prior to acquiring an image of the subject 1010 or a portion of the subject 1010, the imaging detectors 1002, gantry 1004, patient table 1020 and/or collimators 1022 may be adjusted, such as to first or initial imaging positions, as well as subsequent imaging positions. The imaging detectors 1002 may each be positioned to image a portion of the subject 1010. Alternatively, for example in a case of a small size subject 1010, one or more of the imaging detectors 1002 may not be used to acquire data, such as the imaging detectors 1002 at ends of the detector arrays 1006 and 1008, which as illustrated in Figure 7 are in a retracted position away from the subject 1010. Positioning may be accomplished manually by the operator and/or automatically, which may include using, for example, image information such as other images acquired before the current acquisition, such as by another imaging modality such as X-ray Computed Tomography (CT), MRI, X-Ray, PET or ultrasound. In some embodiments, the additional information for positioning, such as the other images, may be acquired by the same system, such as in a hybrid system (e.g., a SPECT/CT system). Additionally, the detector units 1014 may be configured to acquire non-NM data, such as x-ray CT data. In some embodiments, a multi-modality imaging system may be provided, for example, to allow performing NM or SPECT imaging, as well as x-ray CT imaging, which may include a dual-modality or gantry design as described in more detail herein. [0069] After the imaging detectors 1002, gantry 1004, patient table 1020, and/or collimators 1022 are positioned, one or more images, such as three-dimensional (3D) SPECT images are acquired using one or more of the imaging detectors 1002, which may include using a combined motion that reduces or minimizes spacing between detector units 1014. The image data acquired by each imaging detector 1002 may be combined and reconstructed into a composite image or 3D images in various embodiments.

[0070] In one embodiment, at least one of detector arrays 1006 and/or 1008, gantry 1004, patient table 1020, and/or collimators 1022 are moved after being initially positioned, which includes individual movement of one or more of the detector units 1014 (e.g., combined lateral and pivoting movement) together with the swiveling motion of detectors 1002. For example, at least one of detector arrays 1006 and/or 1008 may be moved laterally while pivoted. Thus, in various embodiments, a plurality of small sized detectors, such as the detector units 1014 may be used for 3D imaging, such as when moving or sweeping the detector units 1014 in combination with other movements.

[0071] In various embodiments, a data acquisition system (DAS) 1060 receives electrical signal data produced by the imaging detectors 1002 and converts this data into digital signals for subsequent processing. However, in various embodiments, digital signals are generated by the imaging detectors 1002. An image reconstruction device 1062 (which may be a processing device or computer) and a data storage device 1064 may be provided in addition to the processing unit 1050. It should be noted that one or more functions related to one or more of data acquisition, motion control, data processing and image reconstruction may be accomplished through hardware, software and/or by shared processing resources, which may be located within or near the imaging system 1000, or may be located remotely. Additionally, a user input device 1066 may be provided to receive user inputs (e.g., control commands), as well as a display 1068 for displaying images. DAS 1060 receives the acquired images from detectors 1002 together with the corresponding lateral, vertical, rotational and swiveling coordinates of gantry 1004, support members 1012, detector units 1014, detector carriers 1016, and detectors 1002 for accurate reconstruction of an image including 3D images and their slices.

[0072] Various mounting and/or assembly techniques may be used in different embodiments for securing various components in a predetermined relationship. Examples of some mounting or assembly techniques are provided in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/828,910, filed August 18, 2015, entitled "Shielded Radiation Detector Heads," (hereinafter "the 910 Application") the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. It may be noted that examples of the 910 Application relate to, among other things, use of a compressible member in mounting detector unit components. Various embodiments disclosed herein provide different mounting techniques (e.g., without use of a compressible member as discussed in the 910 Application.)

[0073] Figure 8 provides a sectional schematic view of a radiation detector head assembly 800 in accordance with various embodiments. As seen in Figure 8, the radiation detector head assembly 800 includes a detector housing 810, a detector unit 830, and a fastener 850. Generally, the fastener 850 is used to secure the detector unit 830 within the detector housing 810.

[0074] As seen in Figure 8, the depicted detector housing 810 defines a cavity 812 within the detector housing 810. The detector housing 810 includes a shielding body 820 that is disposed at least partially around the cavity 812. Additional discussion regarding various aspects of detector housings and shielding bodies (e.g., including a shell surrounding the shielding body, materials used for the shielding body and the shell) may be found in the 910 Application and/or in connection with body 150 discussed herein.

[0075] The detector unit 830 is disposed within the cavity 812. The detector unit 830 includes an absorption member 832 and associated processing circuitry 834. The processing circuitry 834 is configured to generate electronic signals responsive to radiation received by the absorption member 832. Generally, the absorption member 832 is configured to receive radiation from an object being imaged (e.g., a patient injected with a radiopharmaceutical) and to generate electronic signals, in conjunction with the processing circuitry 834, in response to radiation received and/or absorbed by the absorption member 832. The absorption member 832 may be a pixelated detector having pixels that are registered to corresponding openings of a collimator 840 interposed between the absorption member 832 and object being imaged. Accordingly, the detector unit 830 and the collimator 840 may be appropriately aligned with each other within the cavity 812. The absorption member 832 may be formed of a semiconductor material, such as Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe), often referred to as CZT, Cadmium Telluride (CdTe), or Silicon (Si), among others.

[0076] The fastener 850 extends through the detector housing 810, and is accepted by the detector unit 830 to secure the detector unit 830 to the detector housing 810. As seen in Figure 8, the shielding body 820 of the detector housing 810 is interposed between the fastener 850 (e.g., between a head if the fastener) and the processing circuity 834. Use of such a fastener 850 provides a cost effective method for securing the detector unit 830 in a desired position. The fastener 850, for example, may be made of a tungsten material, or other material that helps block radiation. Use of the fastener 850 in various embodiments, provides stable holding of the detector 830 in place, good heat dissipation, flexible control of distance between the absorption member 832 and collimator 840, improved acquisition of photon counts (e.g., by removing any compressible members or other structures between a collimator and an absorption member of a detector), inhibition of undesired radiation penetration (e.g., radiation that will not be used for imaging), electrical isolation, and/or improved serviceability. In various embodiments, one or more fasteners 850 may be used. For example, a series of detector units 830 may be placed along the length of a detector column and/or detector housing 810, with a dedicated, corresponding fastener 850 used to secure each detector unit 830 of the series in place. It may be noted that in some embodiments, the fastener 850 may be made of different materials. For example, the head of the fastener 850 may be made of tungsten (or other radiation blocking material), while a threaded portion made of a different material. In some embodiments, the entire fastener 850 may be made of tungsten (or other radiation blocking material). It may be noted that in various embodiments, the fastener 850 may urge a heat transfer portion (e.g., an Aluminum portion) of the detector unit 830 into a desirable mechanical contact with an inner aluminum liner of the shielding body, thereby helping provide stability and thermal conductivity. Further, thermal conductivity paste may be used in connection with the fastener 850 to help improve thermal conductivity.

[0077] In the illustrated example, the detector housing 810 includes an imaging opening 813 that is oriented in an imaging direction 814 (e.g., toward an object being imaged). The detector housing 810 also includes a fastener opening 815. The fastener opening 815 is configured to accept the fastener 850. For example, the fastener opening

815 may pass through the detector housing 810 (e.g., through both a shell 829 and the shielding body 820 of the detector housing 810), and be sized to provide a slight clearance for the fastener 850. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 8, the fastener opening 815 is disposed opposite the imaging opening 813. However, it may be noted that different orientations may be employed in alternate embodiments. For example, a fastener may extend along a direction oblique or perpendicular to the imaging direction 814 (in contrast to the illustrated example in which the fastener 850 extends along the imaging direction 814). For example, the fastener 850 may pass through a side of the detector housing 810 that is oriented perpendicular to the imaging direction 814, or may pass through an end cap associated with the detector housing 810 (e.g., end cap 210 of the 910 Application).

[0078] As seen in Figure 8, the imaging opening 813 is disposed on a front side

816 of the detector housing 810, and the fastener opening 815 is disposed on a back side

817 of the detector housing 810. The fastener 850 comprises a shoulder 851 that abuts the back side 817 of the detector housing 810 (e.g., an external surface of the shell 829).. The shoulder 851 inhibits the fastener 850 from penetrating too far into the detector housing 810 and helps maintain the fastener 850 and detector unit 830 in a desired position. Use of a fastener 850 that passes through the back side 817 of the detector housing 810 (opposite to the front side 816 where the imaging opening 813 is located) allows for convenient access to the fastener 850 and/or places the fastener 850 in a location having lower radiation exposure.

[0079] In the illustrated example, the fastener 850 threadedly engages in the detector unit 830. As seen in Figure 8, the fastener 850 includes a threaded portion 852 that is threadedly engaged with a threaded opening 835 of the detector unit 830. The fastener opening 815 of the detector housing 810 is sized to provide a clearance for the threaded portion 852 to pass through.

[0080] The depicted fastener 850 also includes a head 853 that has a height 854. The head 853 in the illustrated embodiment terminates at the shoulder 851 and extends above the detector housing 810, or extends externally away from the interior of the detector housing 810. The height 854 of the head 853 is configured to extend a predetermined distance above the detector housing 810 and provide a barrier to radiation. The height 854 as well as diameter 855 of the head 853 may be selected based the material employed by the fastener as well as the characteristics of the detector housing 810 (e.g., geometry and material of the shielding body 820 and shell 829) to help block radiation from entering the detector housing 810 proximate the fastener 850. Use of a fastener (e.g., fastener 850) in various embodiments provides an improved connection between the detector unit 830 and the shielding body 820, better thermal conductivity, improved heat dissipation, and/or improved mechanical stability as the detector unit 830 sweeps or pivots over an object being imaged.

[0081] Additionally or alternatively, the head 853 of the fastener 850 may be advantageously employed in connection with a cooling air flow. For instance, for the example depicted in Figure 8, the detector housing 810 includes fins 819 that extend from the detector housing 810. A cooling air flow may be passed over the fins to help remove heat from the detector unit 830 (e.g., to help remove heat generated by the processing circuity 834). As seen in Figure 8, the head 853 of the fastener 850 is disposed between neighboring fins 819. The head 853 in various embodiments is sized and positioned to affect the airflow passing by the fins 819. For example, the head 853 may be sized and positioned to create a point of turbulence in airflow that passes by the fins 819.

[0082] As seen in Figure 8, the radiation detection system 800 also includes a collimator 840. The collimator 840 is disposed proximate the imaging opening 813 of the cavity 812 of the detector housing 810 (within the cavity 812 at or near the imaging opening 813 and oriented in the imaging direction 814). The absorption member 832 is interposed between the collimator 840 and the processing circuitry 834. An open gap 842 (e.g., free of any structure such as a compressible member) is defined between the absorption member 832 and the collimator 840. The size of the detector unit 830 (e.g., the size of the processing circuitry 834 and/or absorption member 832), the depth of the threaded opening 835, the length of the fastener 850, the distance of the threaded portion 852 from the shoulder 851, and/or other aspects of the fastener 850 and/or detector unit 830 and/or detector housing 850 may be configured to position the absorption member 832 at a desired distance from the collimator 840, or to provide a desired dimension for the gap 842. The size of the gap 842 may vary, for example, based on the size of the detector unit 830. In some embodiments, the radiation detector system 800 may be configured to allow for differently sized detector units 830 to be utilized (e.g., a first gap size for a first detector unit and a different, second gap size for a second detector unit that is differently sized than the first detector unit). For example, a first detector may have a 5 millimeter thick CZT layer, whereas a thicker detector may have a 7-7.5 millimeter thick CZT layer.

[0083] Figure 9 provides a perspective schematic view of a radiation detector head assembly 900 in accordance with various embodiments, and Figure 10 provides an enlarged view of a first end of the radiation detector head assembly 900. As seen in Figures 9 and 10, the radiation detector head assembly 900 defines a first end 902 and a second end 904, with the second end 904 disposed opposite the first end 902 along an axis 906. The radiation detector head assembly 900 includes a rotor assembly 910, a stator assembly 920, rotor processing circuitry 930, and a drive belt 940. The rotor assembly 910 is configured to pivot about the axis 906, and includes one or more detectors (e.g., detector head assembly 800, detector units 830, detector units 130, or the like). The stator assembly 920 does not rotate. In the depicted embodiment, the rotor processing circuitry 930 rotates with the rotor assembly 910. The drive belt 940 is coupled to the rotor assembly 910 and is used to rotate the rotor assembly 910.

[0084] The rotor assembly 910 includes at least one detector unit 912 extending along the axis 906 of the radiation detector head assembly 900. Figure 11 depicts a sectional perspective view of the radiation detector head assembly 900 with a single detector unit 912 in place. The detector unit 912 may be secured in place via a fastener (e.g., fastener 850). While only one detector unit 912 is shown in Figure 11, it may be noted that there are positions for six additional detector units 912 to be placed along the axis 906 for the illustrated example. More or less detector units 912 may be used in various embodiments. The detector unit 912 may be configured generally similarly to detector unit 130 and/or detector unit 830 discussed herein. The rotor assembly 910 is configured to pivot about a shaft 914. It may be noted that the shaft 914 need not run along the entire length of the rotor assembly 910. For example, the shaft 914 may include discontinuous shaft portions. In the illustrated example, the shaft 914 includes first shaft portion 915 disposed proximate the first end 902 and coupled to the drive belt 940, and also includes second shaft portion 916 disposed proximate the second end 904.

[0085] With continued reference to Figures 9 and 10, the stator assembly 920 includes a frame 922 and a motor 924. The motor 924 is mounted to the frame 922. The motor 924 is coupled to the rotor assembly 910 (e.g., via drive belt 940). The motor 924 is configured to pivot the rotor assembly 910 about the axis 906. For example, in the illustrated embodiment motor shaft 923 of the motor 924 may provide an input to the drive belt 940, which turns the shaft 914 (e.g., first shaft portion 915) of the rotor assembly 910 to sweep the at least one detector unit 912 over an object to be imaged during acquisition of imaging information.

[0086] The rotor processing circuitry 930 is operably coupled to the rotor assembly 910, and configured to rotate with the rotor assembly 910. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor processing circuitry 930 is mounted to the shaft 914 and pivots about the axis 906 along with the rotor assembly 910. Generally, the rotor processing circuitry 930 is configured to exchange information between the rotor assembly 910 and one or more processors that do not rotate with the rotor assembly 910 (e.g., to provide control information from the one or more processors to the rotor assembly 910, to provide acquired imaging information from one or more detectors (e.g., detector unit 912) of the rotor assembly 910 to the one or more processors). For example, the rotor processing circuitry 930 may be used to receive imaging information from the processing circuitry of individual detector units, and to provide the imaging information from the individual detector units to one or more centralized processors for generating an image. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor processing circuitry 930 includes a board 931 (e.g., a printed circuit board) that is in electrical communication with one or more additional boards on a gantry (not shown in Figs. 9-10) to which the detector head assembly 900 is mounted.

[0087] The drive belt 940 couples the motor 920 with the rotor assembly 910. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive belt 940 is coupled to the motor shaft 923 and the shaft 914 of the rotor assembly 910, with the motor shaft 923 used to drive the shaft 914 via the drive belt 940 to pivot or sweep the rotor assembly 910 a desired amount. As seen in Figures 9 and 10, the drive belt 940 is interposed between the first end 902 and the second end 904 of the radiation detector head assembly 900. The drive belt 940 defines an outboard side 942 that interposed between the drive belt 940 and the first end 902. The drive belt 940 also defined an inboard side 944 that is interposed between the drive belt 940 and the second end 904. The depicted rotor processing circuitry 930 is disposed on the outboard side 942. Positioning the rotor processing circuitry 930 on the outboard side 942 in various embodiments provides for easier access and maintenance of the processing circuitry. It may be noted that additional electronic components may be used, and positioned either outboard or inboard of the drive belt 940 in various embodiments. For example, in the illustrated example, an encoder 960 is disposed immediately inboard of the drive belt 940.

[0088] Also in the illustrated example, the motor 924 is disposed on the inboard side 944, or inboard of the drive belt 940. Positioning the motor 924 inboard of the drive belt 940 as seen in the illustrated embodiment provides for convenient mounting within the frame 922, and also allows for relatively shorter shaft lengths, reducing deflection of one or more shafts and/or reducing the cost of the shafts. Further, positioning the motor 924 inboard also reduces the overall length of the radiation detector head assembly 900, allowing for more efficient coverage of an object being imaged over a length extending along the axis 906.

[0089] In various embodiments, an external bearing may be utilized in connection with a motor having internal bearings (e.g., bearings within a motor enclosure). Figure 12 illustrates a schematic view of a motor assembly 1200. The motor assembly 1200, for example, may be used in connection with frame 922 and drive belt 940. The motor assembly 1200 includes motor 1210 (e.g., motor 924), motor shaft 1220 (e.g., motor shaft 923) and external bearing 1230. The shaft 1220 includes a drive portion 1222 that is configured to be coupled to a drive belt (e.g., drive belt 940, not shown in Figure 12).

[0090] As seen in Figure 12, the motor shaft 1220 extends from the motor 1210 and is coupled to a drive belt (e.g., at drive portion 1222). The external bearing 1230 is disposed outside of the motor 1220 and is mounted to a frame 1242 of a stator (e.g. stator assembly 920). As seen in Figure 12, the motor 1220 defines an envelope 1225 defined by a motor housing. The external bearing 1230 is outside of the envelope 1225, while internal bearings 1226 are within the envelope 1225. For example, the envelope 1225 may be defined by a motor housing of a commercially available motor, with the internal bearings 1226 provided as standard with the commercially available motor. The external bearing 1230 is outside of the envelope 1225, and provides for extra stability. In various embodiments, the external bearing 1230 may take up to 90% or more of the load, allowing for the use of a conventional motor with relatively low capacity bearings, allowing for a convenient, off-the-shelf, inexpensive motor to be used.

[0091] As discussed herein, the rotor processing circuitry 930 is communicably coupled with processing circuitry associated with the stator assembly 920 and/or a gantry or other support structure. In the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in Figure 10, the radiation detector head assembly 900 includes a spiral cable 970 the electrically couples the rotor processing circuitry 930 with the stator assembly 920 (e.g., with processing circuitry mounted to the stator assembly 920 and/or to processing circuitry disposed off- board the stator assembly 920, with the stator assembly 920 interposed between the spiral cable 970 and the off -board processing circuitry). Figure 13 provides a perspective view of the spiral cable 970. As seen in Figure 13, the spiral cable 970 includes a first rigid portion 972, a coiled portion 974, and a second rigid portion 976. The first rigid portion 972 is configured to be coupled to the rotor processing circuitry 930 (e.g., to a board on which the rotor processing circuitry 930 is mounted), and the second rigid portion 974 is configured to be mounted to the stator assembly 920. As seen in Figure 13, the material used to form the spiral cable 970 need not have a round cross-section. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the spiral cable 970 has a rectangular cross-section or a ribbon-like shape. The coiled portion 974 allows for rotation of the rotor processing circuitry 930 (to which the first rigid portion 972 is mounted) with respect to the stator assembly 920. Generally, the diameter 975 of the coiled portion 974, the number of coils in the coiled portion 974, the shape of the material used to form the coiled portion 974 (e.g., the width and thickness), and the material(s) used determine what rotational range of motion of the rotor processing circuitry 930 is available. In some embodiments, the spiral cable 970 may be configured to allow for 110 degrees of rotation. Other ranges of motion may be available in other embodiments. Used of a spiral cable 970 in various embodiments provides for more reliable operation and increased amounts of information transfer relative to use of a slip ring for information transfer.

[0092] As discussed above, mounting of a motor on an inboard side may reduce the overall length of the radiation detector head assembly 900 relative to an imaging length defined by one or more detectors. Additionally or alternatively, the length of the radiation detector head assembly 900 may also be reduced at the second end 904. For example, Figure 14 depicts a sectional view of the second end 904 of the radiation detector head assembly 900. As seen in Figures 9 and 14, the radiation detector head assembly includes a fan 980 and an end cover 990. In various embodiments, the end cover 990 is fixedly mounted to the stator assembly 920 and does not rotate, with the fan 980 mounted to the frame 922. In some embodiments, the end cover 990 is integrally formed as part of the stator assembly 920 (e.g., integrally formed with the frame 922). As best seen in Figure 14, the depicted end cover 990 includes an airflow conduit 992 that is configured to pass a circulated airflow 993 from the fan 980 (e.g., to direct a cooling flow of air from the fan 980 over one or more detector units). The depicted end cover 990 also includes a shaft bearing 994. The shaft bearing 994 accepts the shaft 914 of the rotor assembly 910 (e.g., second portion 916 of the shaft 914), providing support to the shaft 914 while allowing the rotor assembly 910 to rotate relative to the end cover 990 and fan 980. It may be noted that by reducing the unused space (or reducing the space along the length used for imaging) at one end (e.g., the second end 904), helps to make the active area of the detector as close as possible to one end (e.g., the second end 904), reducing the size of a dead zone not used for imaging, and accordingly allowing imaging close to an obstacle such as the shoulders of a patient undergoing imaging of the patient's head. It may be noted that the dead zone may accordingly be referred to as a "brain reach."

[0093] Figure 15 provides a flowchart of a method 1500 for forming, assembling, and/or otherwise providing a radiation detector head assembly, in accordance with various embodiments. The methodl500, for example, may employ or be performed by structures or aspects of various embodiments (e.g., systems and/or methods) discussed herein, and/or may employ or be performed in connection with systems and/or methods of the 910 Application. In various embodiments, certain steps may be omitted or added, certain steps may be combined, certain steps may be performed simultaneously, certain steps may be performed concurrently, certain steps may be split into multiple steps, certain steps may be performed in a different order, or certain steps or series of steps may be re-performed in an iterative fashion.

[0094] At 1502, a detector housing with a cavity is provided. The detector housing includes a shielding body disposed at least partially around the cavity. Generally, the cavity is configured to accept a detector unit and/or related components (e.g., processing circuitry, absorption member, collimator), and the shielding body is configured to protect the detector and/or related components from radiation. Accordingly, radiation may be allowed to enter the detector housing through an imaging opening for imaging, but radiation is otherwise prevented or inhibited from penetrating through the detector housing to the detector unit.

[0095] At 1504, a detector unit is disposed within the cavity. The detector unit includes an absorption member and associated processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to generate electronic signal responsive to radiation received by the absorption member. The generated electronic signals may be used to generate counts that are used in providing an image (e.g., an image of an object emitting radiation that is detected via the detector unit).

[0096] At 1506, the detector unit is secured to the detector housing with a fastener (e.g., fastener 850). The fastener extends through the detector housing and into the detector unit. In some embodiments, the fastener is threaded into the detector unit. For example, in the illustrated example, at 1508, a threaded portion of the faster is passed through a clearance opening of the shielding body, and threadingly engaged with a threaded opening of the detector unit. The clearance opening and fastener opening may be oppositely disposed relative to an imaging opening of the detector configured to allow radiation to pass to the absorption member. For example, in some embodiments, the detector housing includes a fastener opening disposed opposite the imaging opening and configured to accept the fastener, with the imaging opening disposed on a front side of the detector housing and the fastener opening disposed on a back side of the detector housing. It may also be noted that use of a fastener as discussed herein may improve imaging quality by removing the use of a compressible member or other structure between a collimator and the absorption member. For example, in the illustrated example, at 1510, an open gap is defined between the absorption member and a collimator.

[0097] One or more detector units (e.g., formed as discussed above) may be included in a radiation detector assembly that includes the one or more detector units extending along an axis or column. In the illustrated example, at 1512, the detector unit (along with the detector housing within which the detector unit is secured) is disposed in a rotor assembly of radiation detector head assembly. The radiation detector head assembly defines a first end and a second end. The rotor assembly extends along the axis of the radiation detector head assembly, and is configured to pivot about a shaft that extends along the axis.

[0098] At 1514, the rotor assembly is coupled to a motor mounted to a frame of a stator assembly. In various embodiments, the rotor assembly is coupled to the motor via a drive belt. The drive belt is interposed between the first and the second end of the radiation detector head assembly. The drive belt defines an outboard side interposed between the drive belt and the first end, and defines an inboard side interposed between the drive belt and the second end. At 1516, rotor processing circuitry (e.g., rotor processing circuitry 930) is coupled to outboard side of the rotor assembly. The rotor processing circuitry is configured to rotate with the rotor assembly. For example, the rotor processing circuitry in some embodiments is disposed on a circuit board mounted to the shaft about which the rotor assembly rotates. The rotor processing circuitry allows for communication between components on the rotor assembly and components mounted to the stator or other structure, permitting rotation of the components on the rotor assembly relative to components not on the rotor assembly. The rotor processing circuitry may be used, for example, to receive imaging information from the processing circuitry of individual detector units, and to provide the imaging information from the individual detector units to one or more centralized processors for generating an image.

[0099] It should be noted that the particular arrangement of components (e.g., the number, types, placement, or the like) of the illustrated embodiments may be modified in various alternate embodiments. For example, in various embodiments, different numbers of a given module or unit may be employed, a different type or types of a given module or unit may be employed, a number of modules or units (or aspects thereof) may be combined, a given module or unit may be divided into plural modules (or sub-modules) or units (or sub-units), one or more aspects of one or more modules may be shared between modules, a given module or unit may be added, or a given module or unit may be omitted.

[00100] As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is "configured to" perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform the task or operation is not "configured to" perform the task or operation as used herein. Instead, the use of "configured to" as used herein denotes structural adaptations or characteristics, and denotes structural requirements of any structure, limitation, or element that is described as being "configured to" perform the task or operation.

[00101] As used herein, the term "computer," "processor," or "module" may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term "computer," "processor," or "module." [00102] The computer or processor executes a set of instructions that are stored in one or more storage elements, in order to process input data. The storage elements may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The storage element may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.

[00103] The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the computer or processor as a processing machine to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various embodiments of the invention. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs or modules, a program module within a larger program or a portion of a program module. The software also may include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to operator commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.

[00104] As used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" may include any computer program stored in memory for execution by a computer, including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory. The above memory types are exemplary only, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer program.

[00105] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the invention without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the invention, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[00106] In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein." Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function void of further structure.

[00107] This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.