A device for use in an imaging system is provided including a direct conversion
detector element configured to convert x-ray photons into electric current. The
direct conversion detector element is comprised of a cathode surface, an anode
surface having a plurality of anode side edges, and a plurality of detector side
surfaces connecting the cathode surface to the anode surface. The plurality of
detector side surfaces each have a detector depth. The device further includes
a pixel array assembly positioned on the anode surface. The pixel array assembly
includes a plurality of pixel side edges. Each of the plurality of pixel side edges
is immediately adjacent one of the anode side edges. A guard ring is mounted around
the plurality of detector side surfaces. The guard ring includes an upper ring
edge, a lower ring edge, and a ring outer surface including a guard ring height.
