A Trapezoidal, Slat Crystal PET Detector for Multimodality PET Imaging

描述（由申请人提供）：本提案的主要目标是开发一种高分辨率，高检测效率的正电子发射断层扫描（PET）探测器，具有相互作用深度（DOI）定位，也将支持多模态成像（例如PET/MR）。这种检测器设计可以扩展到支持从老鼠到人的成像应用。这种PET检测器的主要设计特点是使用了梯形、盐晶体（TSC）和一种我们称之为基于统计的定位（SBP）的最大似然定位方法。除了独特的晶体几何结构外，该设计还将利用硅光电倍增管（SiPM）阵列。sipm是盖革模式雪崩光电二极管器件，具有非常有吸引力的PET探测器的性能特征，特别是PET- mr应用。在这个R21提案中，我们将研究为小动物PET成像量身定制的设计。该设计将支持<0.8 mm的图像分辨率和>15%的绝对检测效率。据设想，根据本提案开发的探测器最终将用于制造非常紧凑的PET探测器环，该探测器环将与高场（例如>4.7T） MR系统的操作兼容。对于这个原型工作，TSC PET探测器的尺寸将被设计为系统内环直径为~6.0 cm。该直径将支持专用PET和PET/MR全身小鼠和大鼠脑成像。这项工作的最终结果是开发和评估一种新的PET检测器设计，该设计将提供最先进的成像性能，可以用作紧凑的独立PET系统的一部分，也可以用作多模态成像系统（例如PET/MR）的一部分。我们相信，这种设计将提供一个突出的平衡之间的性能和成本，设计将转化为商业适应。本提案建立在先前研究人员开发高分辨率离散晶体PET探测器和高分辨率单晶PET探测器的工作基础上。这种新设计协同结合了两种方法的固有优势，即模块化和出色的空间分辨率控制（离散晶体）以及更低的制造成本

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The principle objective of this proposal is to develop a high resolution, high detection efficiency positron emission tomography (PET) detector with depth-of-interaction (DOI) positioning that will also support multi-modality imaging (e.g., PET/MR). This detector design can be scaled to support imaging applications from mice to man. The key design features of this PET detector are the use of trapezoidal, salt crystals (TSC) and a maximum likelihood positioning method that we call statistics based positioning (SBP). In addition to the unique crystal geometry, the design will utilize silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) arrays. SiPMs are Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode devices that have very attractive performance characteristics for PET detectors, especially for PET-MR applications. In this R21 proposal, we will investigate a design tailored for small animal PET imaging. The design will support <0.8 mm image resolution and >15% absolute detection efficiency. It is envisioned that the detectors developed under this proposal will eventually be used to fabricate a very compact PET detector ring that will be compatible with operation in high field (e.g., >4.7T) MR systems. For this prototype work the TSC PET detector dimensions will be designed for a system inner ring diameter of ~6.0 cm. This diameter will support dedicated PET and PET/MR whole body mouse and rat brain imaging. The net result of this work is the development and evaluation of a new PET detector design that will provide state of the art imaging performance capabilities and that can be used as part of a compact, stand alone PET system or as part of a multi-modality imaging system (e.g., PET/MR). We believe that this design will provide an outstanding balance between performance and cost and that the design will be translatable to commercial adaptation. This proposal builds upon the previous work of the investigators developing high resolution discrete crystal PET detectors and high resolution monolithic crystal PET detectors. This new design synergistically brings together the inherent strengths of both methods, that is, modularity and excellent spatial resolution control (discrete crystals) and lower fabrication costs and inherent DOI positioning capability using single-sided readout (continuous crystals). The design is scalable to support ultra-high resolution small animal imaging; high resolution organ specific imaging; and whole-body PET imaging. In addition, this project will add to the knowledge based on how to optimize the use of SiPM devices for nuclear medicine imaging detector applications. Two specific areas in which this work will contribute are developing SiPM signal multiplexing techniques to optimize performance versus cost and developing temperature control strategies and temperature/gain dependent calibration procedures for SiPM devices. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The overall goal of this proposal is to develop technology that will be used to advance the biological applications of PET and multi-modality PET imaging. PET is a very important imaging modality for both clinical and research applications (e.g., oncology, cardiology, neurology, drug development, biodistribution studies, cell trafficking, etc.). Further great synergism has been demonstrated when it is combined with a high resolution anatomic imaging modality (e.g., PET/CT or PET/MR). The key component of any PET system is the detector design. In this proposal, we introduce a new trapezoidal, slat crystal (TSC) PET detector that is scalable between small animal imaging and human whole body imaging. We believe that this design will provide state of the art imaging performance and an economical price point such that the design will be translatable to commercial production. Therefore while the focus of this proposal is on a specific PET detector design, the far reaching goal of this work is to develop PET imaging technology that will aid in the battle against human disease.