Novel and inexpensive gamma radiation sensor: initial concept and design

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Semiconductor Physics
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Early tumor detection and metastasis assessment, especially in lymph nodes, are crucial for patient recovery.
• Current imaging technologies lack the necessary spatial depth and localization for precise detection.
• A need exists for cost-effective and simple sensor devices for 3D localization in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel semiconductor-based 3D detection system concept for measuring gamma activity.
• To develop a cost-effective sensor for determining the 3D position of targets like lymph nodes within a patient's coordinate system.

Main Methods:

• A 3D detection system was designed using inexpensive, off-the-shelf components, including photodiodes and an Arduino-type microcontroller.
• The system measures gamma activity, with the microcontroller calculating the 3D position based on pulse counts, spatial sensitivity, and device geometry.
• The hardware setup involved four photodiodes (Osram BPW34), a transistor pre-amplifier, and a two-stage operational amplifier.

Main Results:

• The system successfully generated a signal sufficient for microcontroller detection.
• Calculations confirmed that a system with at least four photodiodes can accurately determine the location of a gamma radiation source.
• Initial experiments with a single diode showed promise for the detection system.

Conclusions:

• The developed system demonstrates the potential for precise gamma radiation source localization.
• Further optimization of photodiode arrangement and orientation is planned to create a compact, fast, and accurate clinical sensor.
• The goal is to enable everyday clinical applications for improved tumor and metastasis detection.