X-ray detector and method for manufacturing the same

Claim 2

An X-ray detector comprising: an intensifying screen for X-ray photography, said intensifying screen being arranged at least at a predetermined X-ray detection area and to convert incident X-rays to light; a group of optical fibers, arranged flat on at least said predetermined X-ray detection area in tight contact with said intensifying screen and having a coarse portion, for receiving light from said intensifying screen, on at least one surface thereof corresponding to said detection area, for guiding light incident on said coarse portion; a light-shielding member for covering said intensifying screen and said optical fiber group, excluding an extension of said optical fiber group and a connection of said optical fiber group with said intensifying screen; and an optical detector, coupled to a distal end of said extension of said optical fiber group, for converting an optical signal transmitted through said optical fiber group to an electrical signal.

Claim 3

A detector according to claim 1, wherein said fiber group is comprised of a flat cable with a plurality of optical fibers bundled in a plane.

Claim 4

A detector according to claim 1, wherein said optical fiber group comprises plastic fibers.

Claim 5

A detector according to claim 1, wherein said optical fiber group comprises glass fibers.

Claim 6

A detector according to claim 1, wherein said intensifying screen has a size which substantially corresponds to an X-ray radiation area, and a light-shielding layer having an opening corresponding to said detection area is provided between said intensifying screen and said optical fiber group.

Claim 7

A detector according to claim 1, wherein a light reflecting layer is arranged in tight contact with a portion near said optical fiber group corresponding to at least said detection area.

Claim 8

A detector according to claim 1, wherein a substrate for providing a predetermined strength is provided between a light reflecting layer and a light-shielding member.

Claim 9

A detector according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of detection areas are provided.

Claim 12

A method according to claim 9, wherein the first step comprises a step of scratching said optical fiber group, arranged to be flat, with a knife, so as to form said coarse portion.

Claim 13

A method according to claim 9, wherein the first step comprises a step of scratching said optical fiber group, arranged to be flat, with a wire brush, so as to form said coarse portion.

Claim 14

A method according to claim 9, wherein the first step comprises a step of scratching said optical fiber group, arranged to be flat, with an emery paper, so as to form said coarse portion.

Claim 15

A method according to claim 9, wherein the third step comprises a step of inserting a light-shielding layer, having an opening at a portion facing said detection area, between said optical fiber group and said intensifying screen.

Claim 16

An X-ray detector comprising: a light-shielding housing for passing X-rays therethrough and for preventing external light within said housing, said light-shielding housing having a pair of substantially parallel planar outer surfaces spaced a predetermined distance apart so as to provide a compact construction; an intensifying screen mounted within said light-shielding housing adjacent one of said outer surfaces for converting X-rays to light within said light-shielding housing; a light-shielding sheet extending within said light-shielding housing and disposed along said intensifying screen, said light-shielding sheet defining a reception area for channeling the light transmitted through said intensifying screen; optical detector means disposed outside of said light-shielding housing for converting the light to an electrical signal; and a plurality of optical fibers each individually coupled to said optical detector means, said plurality of optical fibers defining a substantially flat loop having a loop section extending within said light-shielding housing, said loop section being in tight contact with said intensifying screen and having a light receiving portion aligned with said reception area, said plurality of optical fibers along said light receiving portion having surface irregularities for receiving X-rays passing through said reception area and for transmitting an optical signal to said optical detector means.

Claim 17

An X-ray detector comprising: a light-shielding housing for passing X-rays therethrough and for preventing external light within said housing, said light-shielding housing having a pair of substantially parallel planar outer surfaces spaced a predetermined distance apart so as to provide a compact construction; an intensifying screen mounted within said light-shielding housing adjacent one of said outer surfaces for converting X-rays to light within said light-shielding housing; a light-shielding sheet extending within said light-shielding housing and disposed along said intensifying screen, said light-shielding sheet defining a reception area for channeling the light transmitted through said intensifying screen; optical detector means disposed outside of said light-shielding housing for converting the light to an electrical signal; and a plurality of optical fibers each individually coupled to said optical detector means, said plurality of optical fibers defining a substantially flat loop having a loop section extending within said light-shielding housing, said loop section being in tight contact with said intensifying screen and having a light receiving portion aligned with said reception area, said plurality of optical fibers along said light receiving portion having surface irregularities for receiving X-rays passing through said reception area and for transmitting an optical signal to said optical detector means.

Claim 18

The X-ray detector defined in claim 14 also including a reflecting layer disposed between said loop section and a remaining one of said planar surfaces of said light-shielding housing.

Claim 19

The X-ray detector defined in claim 14, wherein said predetermined distance is not greater than 1.5 mm.