METHODS FOR REDUCING POLARIZATION IN IMAGING DETECTORS

A method 100 is provided including acquiring 506 detection events with a radiation detector 600 including a semiconductor plate 610 and configured to produce electrical signals in response to absorption of ionizing radiation in the semiconductor plate 610, wherein electrons and holes are generated responsive to absorption of the ionizing radiation. The semiconductor plate 610 includes a first surface 611 opposed to a second surface 613, with sidewalls 616 interposed between the first surface 611 and the second surface 613. A cathode electrode 612 is disposed on the first surface 611 and pixelated anode electrodes 614 are disposed on the second surface 613. The method 100 also includes optically coupling 508 infrared IR radiation into a first portion 650 of at least one of the sidewalls 616 of the semiconductor plate 610 of the radiation detector 600, and not coupling IR radiation into a second portion 652 of the at least one of the sidewalls 616.