SUB-MILLIMETER ANIMAL POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET)

成像技术——包括正电子发射断层扫描（PET）——能够在人类疾病的小动物模型中利用分子成像的力量，是生命科学界的一个优先事项。在PET中，F- 18在组织中发射的正电子范围对小探测器环的空间分辨率限制为300-400微摩尔。然而，目前用于动物成像的PET仪器的空间分辨率约为1.5-2 mm FWHM。由于511 keV光子的穿透性和它们在探测器内散射的倾向，目前的闪烁探测器技术不太可能被推到远低于这个分辨率并获得足够的性能。这项工作将开发一种替代探测器技术，可以很容易地利用F-18正电子范围和小探测器环直径的共线性所决定的分辨率限制。与密歇根大学联合进行的第一阶段实验将证明探测器概念的可行性，并为亚毫米分辨率的小鼠和大鼠成像PET仪器进行初步设计工作。在第二阶段，将完成设计，开发一个模块化的、可扩展的探测器系统，并构建一个包含部分探测器环的原型仪器。第三阶段将以该技术为基础商业化动物PET仪器。建议的商业应用：这项技术的直接应用是在小动物PET领域。目前，由于研究者的需求和一家制造商正在创造一个新兴市场，商业前景似乎很好。虽然本文提出的工作是为了开发动物PET，但其基本技术也适用于改进人体PET，这是一个有吸引力的商业前景。

Imaging technologies-including positron emission tomography (PET)- that are capable of exploiting the power of molecular imaging in small animal models of human disease are a priority in the life-sciences community. In PET, the spatial resolution limit imposed by the range of positrons emitted by F- 18 in tissue is 300-400 micromoles for small detector rings. However, current PET instruments for animal imaging have spatial resolutions on the order of 1.5-2 mm FWHM. Due to the penetrating nature of 511 keV photons and their propensity to scatter within the detector, it is unlikely that present scintillation detector technology can be pushed much below this resolution and achieve adequate performance. This work will develop an alternative detector technology that can easily exploit the resolution limits dictated by the F-18 positron range and acolinearity for small detector ring diameters. Phase I experiments conducted in conjunction with the University of Michigan will demonstrate the feasibility of the detector concept and conduct preliminary design work for PET instruments for imaging mice and rats at sub-millimeter resolution. In Phase II, the design will be finalized, a modular, scalable detector system will be developed, and a prototype instrument containing a partial ring of detectors will be constructed. Phase III will commercialize animal PET instruments based on the technology. PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: The immediate application of this technology is in the area of small animal PET. At present, commercial prospects appear good since investigator demand and one manufacturer are creating an emerging market. Although the work proposed herein is for development of animal PET, the basic technology lends itself to improving PET for human subjects as well--an attractive commercial prospect.