Multi-layer direct conversion computed tomography detector module

1. A computed tomography detector module comprising:

a substrate having a topside and a bottom side;

a plurality of detector layers disposed on the topside of the substrate in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the substrate, wherein each of the plurality of detector layers comprises a direct conversion material configured to absorb radiation, and wherein each of the plurality of detector layers comprises a first side and a second side;

a plurality of pixelated anode contacts disposed on the first side of each of the plurality of detector layers;

a common cathode contact disposed on the second side of each of the plurality of detector layers; and

an electrical interconnect layer that extends in a Z-direction disposed between each of adjacent layers of the plurality of detector layers, wherein the electrical interconnect layer comprises a connector configured to couple the plurality of pixelated anode contacts disposed on each of the plurality of detector layers to read out electronics.

2. The detector module of claim 1 , wherein the electrical interconnect layer comprises a flexible circuit, and wherein the flexible circuit comprises copper traces formed on a polyimide film.

3. The detector module of claim 1 , wherein the second side of each of the plurality of detector layers is arranged to receive the radiation before each respective first side of the plurality of detector layers.

4. The detector module of claim 1 , further comprising a non-collecting, control grid structure disposed between each of the plurality of pixelated anode contacts, wherein the control grid structure is configured to facilitate collection of electrons at the plurality of pixelated anode contacts.

5. The detector module of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of detector layers is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of radiation.

6. The detector module of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of detector layers is oriented at an angle to the direction of radiation, and wherein the second side of each of the plurality of detector layers is arranged to receive the radiation before each respective first side of the plurality of detector layers.

7. The detector module of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of pixelated anode contacts is substantially the same size.

8. The detector module of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pixelated anode contacts comprises anode contacts of different sizes, and wherein the size of the pixelated anode contacts is incrementally increased in the direction of radiation.

9. A computed tomography detector module comprising:

a substrate having a topside and a bottom side;

a plurality of detector layers disposed on the topside of the substrate in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the substrate, wherein each of the plurality of detector layers comprises a direct conversion material configured to absorb radiation, and wherein each of the plurality of detector layers comprises a first side and a second side;

a plurality of pixelated anode contacts disposed on the first side of each of the plurality of detector layers, wherein the plurality of pixelated anode contacts comprises anode contacts of substantially equal size;

a common cathode contact disposed on the second side of each of the plurality of detector layers;

a non-collecting, control grid structure disposed between each of the plurality of pixelated anode contacts, wherein the control grid structure is configured to facilitate collection of electrons at the plurality of pixelated anode contacts; and

a J-shaped electrical interconnect layer disposed between each of adjacent layers of the plurality of detector layers and configured to couple the plurality of pixelated anode contacts disposed on each of the plurality of detector layers to read out electronics.

10. The detector module of claim 9 , wherein the control grid structure is negatively biased relative to the plurality of pixelated anode contacts.

11. The detector module of claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality detector layers is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of radiation.

12. A computed tomography detector module comprising:

a substrate having a topside and a bottom side;

a plurality of detector layers disposed on the topside of the substrate and configured to absorb radiation, wherein each of the plurality of detector layers comprises a direct conversion material, and wherein each of the plurality of detector layers includes a first side and a second side;

a plurality of pixelated anode contacts disposed on the first side of each of the plurality of detector layers, wherein the plurality of pixelated anode contacts comprises anode contacts of different sizes, and wherein the size of the pixelated anode contacts is incrementally increased in the direction of radiation;

a common cathode contact disposed on the second side of each of the plurality of detector layers; and

an electrical interconnect layer that extends in a Y-direction disposed between each of adjacent layers of the plurality of detector layers, wherein the electrical interconnect layer comprises a connector configured to couple the plurality of pixelated anode contacts disposed on each of the plurality of detector layers to read out electronics.

13. The detector module of claim 12 , wherein each of the plurality of detector layers is oriented substantially parallel to the direction of radiation.

14. The detector module of claim 12 , wherein a non-collecting, control grid structure is disposed between each of the plurality of pixelated anode contacts, wherein the control grid structure is configured to facilitate collection of electrons at the plurality of pixelated anode contacts.

15. A computed tomography detector module comprising:

a substrate having a topside and a bottom side;

a plurality of detector layers disposed on the top side of the substrate and configured to absorb radiation, wherein each of the plurality of detector layers is oriented at an angle to the direction of radiation, and wherein each of the plurality of detector layers comprises a direct conversion material, and wherein each of the plurality of detector layers includes a first side and a second side;

a plurality of pixelated anode contacts disposed on the first side of each of the plurality of detector layers;

a common cathode contact disposed on the second side of each of the plurality of detector layers; and

an electrical interconnect layer disposed between each of adjacent layers of the plurality of detector layers, wherein the electrical interconnect layer comprises a connector configured to couple the plurality of pixelated anode contacts disposed on each of the plurality of detector layers to read out electronics, and wherein the electrical interconnect layer comprises a J-shaped electrical interconnect layer, an interconnect layer that extends in a Z-direction, or an interconnect layer that extends in a Y-direction.

16. The detector module of claim 15 , wherein the angle is selected to reduce radiation flux rate per unit detection area.

17. The detector module of claim 15 , wherein a non-collecting, control grid structure is disposed between each of the plurality of pixelated anode contacts, wherein the control grid structure is configured to facilitate collection of electrons at the plurality of pixelated anode contacts.