Detector Module for Portable PET Scanner

描述(申请人提供)：我们将设计和评估一种用于PET的新型探测器模块，并证明它将显著提高灵敏度和分辨率，同时使PET紧凑、轻便和便携。提出的基本探测器元件是基于一种名为固态光电倍增器(SSPM)的新型光探测器和LYSO闪烁晶体。滨松为我公司开发了一种特殊的陶瓷贴装SSPM。其紧凑的尺寸(2.4x1.9x0.85 mm)使构造分辨率接近一毫米的PET扫描仪成为可能。它的厚度(0.85 mm)允许多层探测器沿径向放置，从而实现相互作用和晶体间散射事件的深度。该项目第一阶段的具体目标是通过模拟和各种探测器布置的实验，研究在以下方面的改进程度：1)-空间分辨率，2)-灵敏度，3)-晶体间散射校正，4)-相互作用识别的深度，5)-散射事件拒绝6)-通过改进的时间分辨率拒绝单信号。为第一阶段计划的实验和模拟旨在使我们能够为第二阶段建立最佳的探测器配置。意义：术中肿瘤的准确定位在各种临床条件下是至关重要的。将PET适配到手术室的能力将允许生成肿瘤的实时功能图像，从而实现更好的肿瘤定位。同样的探测器模块可以作为其他更大配置的便携式PET的基础，极大地扩展了PET在各种设置中的应用。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): We will design and evaluate a novel detector module for PET, and demonstrate that it would significantly increase the sensitivity and resolution, while making PET compact, light weight, and portable. The basic detector element proposed is based on the use of a novel light-detector called Solid State Photo- multiplier (SSPM) and LYSO scintillation crystals. Hamamatsu has developed a special ceramic-mounted SSPM for our company. Its compact size (2.4x1.9x0.85 mm) enables construction of PET scanners with a resolution close to a millimeter. Its thinness (0.85 mm) allows multiple layer of the detectors to be put in radial direction enabling the depth of interaction and inter-crystal scatter events. The specific aims of the Phase I of this project are to study, both through simulation as well as experiments with a variety of detector arrangements, the degree of improvements in: 1)- Spatial resolution, 2)- Sensitivity, 3)- Inter-crystal scatter correction, 4)- Depth of interaction identification, 5)- Scatter events rejection 6)- Singles rejection by improved time resolution. The experiments and simulations planned for the Phase I are directed to enable us to build the optimum detector configurations for the Phase II. Significance: Accurate intra-operative tumor localization is critical in a variety of clinical conditions. The ability to adapt PET to the operating room would allow for the generation of real time functional images of tumors , allowing for better tumor localization. The same detector module can be the basis of other larger configurations of portable PET, greatly expanding the application of PET in a variety of settings.