A Prototype TOF PET Detector Module Using a Micro-Channel Plate Photomultiplier Tube with Waveform Sampling

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Particle Detector Technology
• Nuclear Instrumentation

Background:

• Time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF PET) requires detectors with high spatial and temporal resolution.
• Traditional detectors face challenges in achieving the necessary performance for advanced TOF PET imaging.
• Micro-channel plate photomultiplier tubes (MCP PMTs) offer potential for improved detector capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of large area flat panel MCP PMTs for TOF PET applications.
• To develop and test detector modules using MCP PMTs and transmission-line readout.
• To assess the performance metrics relevant to TOF PET imaging.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 2″×2″ Photonis Planacon MCP PMTs (XP85022) and prototype transmission-line (TL) boards.
• Employed high-speed waveform sampling at 5 GS/s using DRS4 evaluation boards.
• Measured detector responses to 511 keV photons from a (22)Na source in coincidence mode.

Main Results:

• Achieved a position resolution of approximately 2.8 mm (FWHM) along the transmission-line.
• Obtained a coincidence time resolution of approximately 309 ps (FWHM).
• Demonstrated an energy resolution of approximately 14% (FWHM) at 511 keV.

Conclusions:

• Preliminary results indicate that large area MCP PMTs are suitable for TOF PET.
• The developed detector modules provide promising performance for future TOF PET systems.
• Further development could enhance the capabilities of MCP PMTs in medical imaging.