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First experimental proof of PET imaging based on multi-anode MCP-PMTs with Cherenkov radiator-integrated window.
Weiyan Pan1,2,3,4, Lingyue Chen1,2, Guorui Huang5
1Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, People's Republic of China.
Physics in Medicine and Biology
|October 21, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a dual-module positron emission tomography (PET) system using Cherenkov light detection. This novel approach significantly improves imaging speed and reduces radiation dose, paving the way for advanced clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Particle Detectors
- Nuclear Physics
Background:
- Improving time resolution in time-of-flight positron emission tomography (PET) is crucial for advanced clinical applications.
- Enhanced timing performance demands better resolution from all PET system components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and experimentally verify a dual-module PET imaging platform utilizing Cherenkov light detection.
- To evaluate the timing and spatial resolution capabilities of the developed platform.
Main Methods:
- Developed an in-house dual-module PET imaging platform with 8x8-anode Cherenkov radiator-integrated window MCP-PMTs.
- Implemented custom multi-channel electronics, calibration, and correction methods.
- Conducted imaging experiments with various radiation sources and phantoms.
Main Results:
- Achieved a total timing resolution of 203.6 ps (σ=86.5 ps) Full Width at Half Maximum.
- Demonstrated spatial resolution capable of distinguishing 4 mm spots.
- Verified preliminary image quality improvements with Time-of-Flight (TOF) information.
Conclusions:
- First experimental verification of module-level PET imaging using Cherenkov light detection.
- Reduced radiation dose and acquisition time by approximately 10 times compared to previous methods.
- Highlighted the potential of PbF2-integrated window multi-anode MCP-PMTs for future PET systems.
