Exploring the performance of a DOI-capable TOF-PET module using different SiPMs, customized and commercial readout...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Nuclear Physics
• Detector Technology

Background:

• High time resolution in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is essential for improving signal-to-noise ratio and image quality.
• Long scintillators, needed for high sensitivity, can introduce parallax effects that distort PET images.
• Depth of Interaction (DOI) information is crucial for correcting parallax errors and enhancing image reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the performance of a novel time-of-flight (TOF)-PET module utilizing single-side readout.
• To assess the module's capability in extracting high-resolution TOF and DOI information.
• To compare the performance of commercial electronics with custom-made electronics for TOF-PET applications.

Main Methods:

• A TOF-PET module was constructed using a 4x4 LYSO:Ce matrix coupled with 4x4 silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) and a light guide.
• The detector prototype was evaluated using the commercial TOFPET2 ASIC and SiPMs from various manufacturers.
• DOI and TOF performance were benchmarked against results obtained with custom-made NINO 32-chip based electronics.

Main Results:

• The module, read out by the TOFPET2 ASIC with a Broadcom NUV-MT array, achieved a DOI resolution of 2.6 ± 0.2 mm FWHM.
• This configuration yielded a coincidence time resolution (CTR) of 216 ± 6 ps FWHM.
• Using NINO electronics, the same module demonstrated a DOI resolution of 2.5 ± 0.2 mm and a CTR of 170 ± 5 ps.

Conclusions:

• The prototype TOF-PET module, using commercial electronics and advanced SiPMs, offers DOI performance comparable to custom electronics.
• The module achieves a CTR of approximately 200 ps, suitable for many PET applications.
• This scalable approach shows promise for future high-channel-count TOF-PET systems, with a slight trade-off in timing resolution compared to specialized electronics.