Various embodiments include an imaging system and methods of operating the system to reduce effects from space charge formation in radiation detectors. The imaging system includes a radiation detector configured to detect photon energy from ionizing radiation, a source of ionizing radiation configured to emit a beam of radiation toward the radiation detector, and a chopper disposed between the radiation detector and the source of ionizing radiation, wherein the chopper is configured to periodically block the beam of radiation from reaching the radiation detector. The chopper may be configured to limit delivery of photon energy to the radiation detector to durations shorter than an onset time of dynamic polarization and E-field relaxation. In some embodiments, the chopper is a rotating chopper rotated by a drive motor. In some embodiments, the chopper is a shutter.
