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Performance of a new brain PET scanner based on straw detectors: A Monte Carlo study

¹ Proportional Technologies, Inc, Houston, Texas

491

Objectives: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a uniquely valuable imaging modality for functional brain imaging that remains underutilized due to the lack of affordable, high-performance brain PET scanners. We propose a parallax-free, low-cost detector technology that offers high spatial resolution, high sensitivity, and simple readout without the use of photomultiplier tubes. A unique design for a dedicated brain PET scanner is investigated.

Methods: The performance of the proposed scanner is explored in Monte Carlo simulations, implemented in MCNP5. The scanner consists of six detector heads arranged hexagonally, each containing thirty-five detector modules, and separated 22 cm from one another. Each module contains a 10x10 array of straw detectors, each 50 cm long, 2 mm in diameter and incorporating a thin layer of lead in their wall. Photons interacting in lead generate Compton- and photo-electrons that are subsequently counted in the gas contained within each straw.

Results: Image resolution was 0.98mm, 1.02mm, 0.80mm in radial, tangential and axial coordinates, and remained uniform to within 15% over the entire field of view (FOV) giving an average volumetric resolution of 0.80µL. Sensitivity was 6.0%, for a 25-cm long line source in the center FOV, in the absence of a scattering medium. The transverse variation of sensitivity was 15%. The scatter fraction was 65%.

Conclusions: The proposed scanner will cost substantially less than crystal cameras, and compared with the state of the art HRRT camera will produce much higher sensitivity over most of the brain region of interest, 2.5 fold improved 3 coordinate resolution, and 15 fold improved volumetric resolution, and only modest increase in scatter fraction from 42% to 65%.

Research Support: NIH SBIR Grant CA128217

This Article Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Google Scholar Articles by Lacy, J. Articles by Martin, C. PubMed Articles by Lacy, J. Articles by Martin, C.