Instrumentation for microSPECT and microPET imaging

2008年，作为开发新型平板microPET设备的第一步，核相机团队生产了一种用于小鼠成像的新型双平板投影成像设备。它由两个并排的平板探测器组成，能够在便携式设备上快速获得小鼠的投影图像。该系统现已投入使用，并正在制定计划，以进一步开发能够进行断层摄影成像的设备。2010年，开始利用第一个设备（代号为MONICA，用于移动的核成像相机），将其转换为采用两个并行探测器（而不是并排）的低成本投影microPET。该设计结合了两个板之间的重合扫描，而且还具有相互作用深度（DOI）测量的能力，从而允许一些断层扫描能力。同样在2010年，开始将该设备调整为投影microPET MR兼容设备。目前正在进行测试，以确定新晶体承受强磁场影响的能力。nucelar相机组及其（必要）合作者基于定向探索的概念，在研究层面检查技术机会，但考虑到特定的系统层面目标（A）：成像系统开发的研究领域：（B）：当前重点系统层面开发项目：双伽马照相机平面投影成像系统，用于小鼠中的单光子、高速动态全身生物分布研究。为了说明这种并行性，现在正在LaBr 3板和NaI（Tl）像素化探测器模块中所示的每个领域进行工作，并支持电子开发（CIT-NIH/RIG）;新的模块化数据采集系统的评估（托马斯杰斐逊国家加速器设施（JLAB），纽波特纽斯，VA/RIG）;使用质心事件定位和先进的最大似然（ML）定位（RIG/CIT）创建高速数据处理接口;和评价用于图像显示和分析的商业系统（Nuclear Mac）（RIG/CIT）。这些子系统项目中的每一个都是根据当前系统级目标进行评估的，该目标是创建一个用于成像小鼠的双平面伽马相机设备，同时提供每个技术领域的信息，以便在我们的下一个系统级开发项目中使用。例如，其中一个探测器模块将由一个矩形像素化的NaI（Tl）阵列组成，该阵列与两个并排的Hamamatsu H8500位置敏感光电倍增管耦合。使用这种组合获得的初始成像结果需要充分使用JLAB DAQ、CIT开发的电子设备和RIG开发的数据处理软件来采集和分析这些数据。因此，在新型microSPECT和microPET相机的开发方面正在取得相当大的进展，这可能导致未来成本低得多的成像相机。此外，由于其覆盖范围更大，这些设备的灵敏度可能会高得多，从而有可能以更高的灵敏度检测疾病。明显改进的相机设计可能对未来的分子成像研究产生重大影响。我们计划继续这项探索性工作，目标是将完成的双伽马相机系统交给MIP科学家，然后审查累积的技术发现并指定下一个系统级项目。

In 2008, as a first step towards a novel flat panel microPET device the Nuclear Camera Team produced a new dual flat panel projection imaging device for mouse imaging. It consists of two flat panel detectors side-by-side with the ability to rapidly obtain projection image in mice on a portable device. This system is now operational and plans are being put in place to further develop devices that allow tomorgraphic imaging. In 2010 work began on leveraging the first device, code named MONICA for Mobile Nuclear Imaging Camera into a low cost projection microPET employing two parallel detectors (rather than side by side). The design incorporates coincidence scanning between the two plates but also the capability for depth of interaction (DOI) measurement allowing some tomographic abilities. Also in 2010 work began on adapting this device to a projection microPET MR compatible device. Testing is ongoing to determine the ability of new crystals to withstand the effects of a strong magnetic field. Development work carried out by the nucelar camera group and its (essential) collaborators is based on the notion of directed exploration where technological opportunities are examined at the research level but with a particular systems level goal in mind (A): Research areas in imaging system development: (B): current focused systems level development project: dual gamma camera planar projection imaging system for single photon, high-speed dynamic whole body bio-distribution studies in mice. To illustrate this parallelism, work is now underway in each of the areas shown in LaBr3 slab and NaI(Tl) pixelated detector modules and support electronics development (CIT-NIH/RIG); evaluation of a new, modular DAQ system (Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLAB), Newport News, VA/RIG); creation of a high speed data processing interface using both centroid event positioning and advanced Maximum Likelihood (ML) positioning (RIG/CIT); and evaluation of a commercial system (Nuclear Mac) for image display and analysis (RIG/CIT). Each of these sub-system projects are evaluated in light of the current systems level goal of creating a dual planar gamma camera device for imaging mice while at the same time providing information in each technical area for potential use in our next systems level development project. For example, one of the detector modules will be comprised of a rectangular pixelated NaI(Tl) array coupled to two side-by-side Hamamatsu H8500 position-sensitive photomultiplier tubes Initial imaging results obtained with this combination required full use of the JLAB DAQ, CIT developed electronics and RIG-developed data processing software for acquisition and analysis of these data. Thus, considerable progress is being made in the development of novel microSPECT and microPET cameras that could result in much less costly imaging cameras in the future. Moreover, because of their larger coverage, the sensitivity for such devices might be considerably higher leading to the possibility of detecting disease with ever greater sensitivity. Clearly improved camera design could have a significant impact on molecular imaging research in the future. We plan to continue this exploratory work with the goal of turning over the completed dual gamma camera system to MIP scientists , followed by a review of accrued technical findings and designation of the next systems level project.