Development of an Integrated Gamma-Ultrasound (γ -US) Probe Detector and Multiplexed Readout for Simultaneous γ -US...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nuclear Instrumentation

Background:

• Simultaneous molecular and anatomical imaging is crucial for advanced diagnostics.
• Existing dual-modality systems are often bulky and complex.
• There is a need for integrated, compact probes for handheld applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the first fully integrated, highly compact single-element gamma-ultrasound (γ-US) probe.
• To enable simultaneous molecular (gamma) and anatomical (ultrasound) imaging along the same line-of-sight.
• To assess the performance and potential applications of the integrated probe.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a PZT-5A ultrasound transducer with a Ce:GAGG scintillator and SiPM.
• Utilization of a tungsten-epoxy composite for US backing and gamma collimation.
• Implementation of a single-channel frequency-based multiplexed circuit for real-time data acquisition.

Main Results:

• The gamma component achieved 17.3% energy resolution and 2.69 mm spatial resolution.
• The ultrasound component demonstrated 1.32 mm axial and 4.90 mm lateral resolution.
• A fused B-mode image of a breast phantom confirmed the probe's imaging capability.

Conclusions:

• The integrated γ-US probe is a compact, cost-effective solution for dual-modality imaging.
• It offers minimal performance trade-offs compared to standalone systems.
• The probe is suitable for handheld medical diagnostics and nondestructive testing (NDT).