Solid-State Gamma Camera with Sub-mm Spatial Resolution

40989 November 19, 1996 Digirad The ability to accurately characterize the spatial position and extent of biochemical processes in vivo is a key factor in the emerging field of "molecular nuclear medicine", and imposes demands for substantially improved performance on imaging equipment. This project will develop a new imaging technology based on using a high density semiconductor detector array for the imaging head. Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe), a high-Z, room temperature detector material, will be used in a configuration that provides submillimeter intrinsic spatial resolution. Phase I will demonstrate feasibility by showing that a high density CdZnTe array and an associated microelectronics readout package can be operated in tandem to perform imaging functions. In Phase II, a full imaging head will be developed and used in clinical measurements. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: A new gamma camera, based on a high density CdZnTe detector array, should have a significant impact on the market for next-generation (molecular) nuclear imagers, estimated to be $1 billion within 5 years.