The present application discloses an x-ray detector for use in a computed tomography (CT) imaging system. The x-ray detector assembly comprises an array of detector cells coupled between detector rails. The present invention provides a self regulating heating element having a body that, when current is passed therethrough, radiates heat until a specific reference temperature is reached, at which point the resistance of the PTC heater increases, thus reducing the current through the PTC heater, and, as a result, the radiative heating of the PTC heater.