Integration and characterization of highly performance readout architecture on an RF-penetrable brain PET Insert for simultaneous operation in MR scanner

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Truly simultaneous data acquisition from Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRi) is a new challenge in nuclear medical imaging. Thanks to the complementary results of these technologies, a combined system could lead to significant improvements in lesions detection.The first integrated PET/MR systems are now on the market, with the drawback of being very expensive, then practically preventing their use by many interested researchers. For this reason, systems dedicated to specific body regions, with consequent reduced size, are a valid alternative which would make such technologies available to a wider public.In particular, Dr. Levin' s group at Stanford University School of Medicine is targeting a brain PET insert, penetrable by radio-frequency (RF) pulses, to be used in combination with any existing MR scanner, without need of modifications. This insert could be cheap and contribute to better understand the real benefits of combined imaging in neurological applications. The candidate of this proposal has developed highly performing readout architecture, integrated on a very compact ASIC, which matches the requirements of the PET insert. The electronics is designed for being compatible with operations in MR environment and has already achieved extremely good timing resolution, required for optimal image reconstruction. The aim of this project is the integration of the developed electronics on a very compact detector unit and its characterization and operation in MR environment. Each unit is composed of more than 700 scintillating crystals, coupled with Silicon Photo-Multipliers and read out by 24 ASICs in parallel.The whole PET insert would be assembled with up to 16 units, which need proper synchronization and calibration. The insert is designed to be isolated from MR ground, in order to allow the transmission of RF pulses through it. If successful, this PET insert could be used together with any MR scanner for extensively studying the benefits of these combined technologies.