Optical mask for detector optimization

1. An optical mask for a scintillator array in a medical imaging device, the optical mask comprising;

a light guide layer having a first surface and a second surface; and

a reflective layer affixed to the first surface of the light guide layer,

wherein the second surface of the light guide layer is positioned on the scintillator array, and the reflective layer is affixed to the first surface of the light guide layer,

wherein the first surface of the light guide layer is opposite to the scintillator array, and

a window that provides a pathway for light or radiation to pass through the reflective layer, the light guide layer and the scintillator array in sequence.

2. The optical mask according to claim 1 , wherein the light guide layer comprises a rigid structural material.

3. The optical mask according to claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer has greater than or equal to 90% reflectivity for wavelengths between 300 and 800 nm.

4. The optical mask according to claim 3 , wherein the reflective layer has greater than or equal to 95% reflectivity.

5. The optical mask according to claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer has greater than or equal to 98% reflectivity between 400 and 700 nm.

6. The optical mask according to claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer comprises diffracting particles.

7. The optical mask according to claim 1 , wherein the optical mask comprises one or more windows extending through the reflective layer and/or the light guide layer.

8. The optical mask according to claim 7 , wherein the optical mask is disposed around an avalanche photodiode (APD) having an active area of 5.6×5.6 mm and at least one of the one or more windows is rectangular in shape and has dimensions of 7.2×7.2 mm.

9. The optical mask according to claim 7 , wherein the optical mask is disposed around an avalanche photodiode (APD) having an active area of 5.6×5.6 mm and at least one of the one or more windows is circular in shape and has a diameter of 8.4 mm diameter.

10. An optical mask for a scintillator array in a medical imaging device, wherein the optical mask is produced by affixing a reflective layer to a first surface of a light guide layer, and

wherein a second surface of the light guide layer is positioned on the scintillator array, and the reflective layer is affixed to the first surface of the light guide layer,

wherein the first surface of the light guide layer is opposite to the scintillator array, and

a window that provides a pathway for light or radiation to pass through the reflective layer, the light guide layer and the scintillator array in sequence.

11. The optical mask according to claim 10 , wherein the light guide layer comprises a rigid structural material.

12. The optical mask according to claim 10 , wherein the reflective layer is painted onto the light guide.

13. The optical mask according to claim 10 , wherein the reflective layer is affixed to the light guide using a pressure sensitive adhesive.

14. A method for producing an optical mask for a scintillator array in a medical imaging device, the method comprising affixing a reflective layer to a first surface of a light guide layer,

wherein a second surface of the light guide layer is positioned on the scintillator array, and the reflective layer is affixed to the first surface of the light guide layer,

wherein the first surface of the light guide layer is opposite to the scintillator array, and

passing light or radiation, via a window, through the reflective layer, the light guide layer and the scintillator array in sequence.

15. The method according to claim 14 , wherein the light guide layer comprises a rigid structural material.

16. The method according to claim 14 , wherein the reflective layer is painted onto the light guide.

17. The method according to claim 14 , wherein the reflective layer is affixed to the light guide using a pressure sensitive adhesive.