Evaluation of a modular all-in-one high-resolution PET detector and readout electronics setup

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Nuclear Instrumentation
• Detector Physics

Background:

• The C13500 series TOF-PET detector modules offer modularity for PET system development.
• Current modules target clinical systems with larger crystals (3.1 × 3.1 mm²).
• High-resolution PET systems require smaller scintillation crystals for improved spatial accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt C13500 TOF-PET modules for high-resolution imaging applications.
• To develop a PET detector using smaller lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) crystals.
• To evaluate optimized hardware and software parameters for the adapted configuration.

Main Methods:

• Developed a PET detector using 1.51 × 1.51 × 10.00 mm³ LSO crystals in a 16x16 array.
• Readout employed 8x8 photosensor channels (3.0 × 3.0 mm²).
• Evaluated analog signal amplification, time over threshold, energy resolution, and coincidence resolving time (CRT).

Main Results:

• Achieved accurate crystal identification with a signal amplification factor of two (peak-to-valley ratio 14.9 ± 5.9).
• Obtained a full width at half maximum (FWHM) energy resolution of 14.1 ± 2.0% and high linearity.
• Demonstrated a FWHM CRT of 313 ps, adjustable to 354 ps for enhanced sensitivity and reduced power consumption.

Conclusions:

• The modularity and flexibility of the C13500 TOF-PET modules are confirmed for high-resolution applications.
• The adapted detector setup provides a viable solution for developing application-specific, high-resolution PET systems.
• This work enables the creation of advanced PET systems for preclinical or organ-specific imaging needs.