An image sensor and a method for using the same to capture an x-ray image
are disclosed. The image sensor includes an output bus, a two dimensional
array of pixel sensors that receives light from a layer of scintillation
material and a controller. Each pixel sensor includes a capacitor, a
plurality of light sensors, a charge converter and a transfer gate. Each
of the light sensors includes a photodiode and a photodiode transfer gate
that connects the photodiode to the capacitor. During readout, the charge
on selected ones of the photodiodes is transferred to the capacitor. The
charge on the capacitor is converted to a signal that is coupled to the
output bus through the transfer gate by the controller. The number of
photodiodes that are connected to the capacitor during the readout can be
controlled to assure that the charge converter does not saturate.