Novel Parallax Free Sensor for Molecular Imaging

With the ever-increasing number of human disease models, particularly models in smaller animals, high-resolution emission/transmission tomography techniques have become extremely important. The barriers to using existing modalities in studies of laboratory animals have traditionally been poor spatial resolu­tion, low sensitivity, and high cost. Although detector technologies have improved significantly in recent years, the current state-of-the-art scintillator technology remains the primary performance-limiting factor. To address these issues, this project will design and develop a novel scintillator coupled to a very high spatial resolution photodetector. Phase I research demonstrated the feasibility of developing a novel scintillator array capable of providing parallax-free, high resolution imaging of high-energy radioisotopes. The Phase II research is a logical extension of the Phase I work, with the focus on improving the throughput of the materials processing technique, fabricating a larger-area focused scintillator array, fabricating a prototype detector, and thoroughly evaluating these devices at our collaborators¿ facilities. Substantial efforts toward commercialization of this technology will also be made. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: Molecular imaging techniques are well suited for imaging radiolabeled antibodies and other sub­stances used to localize and characterize tumors in small animals, and for developing new radiolabeled agents for diagnosing and treating diseases in humans. This detector will significantly improve the resolution and sensitivity with which measurements can be made, allowing the development of superior drugs and technologies to diagnose and stage certain cancers, diseases of the heart and disorders of the circulatory system, and treatments to curtail the progression and even to cure these conditions. Beyond medical imaging, the detector will have broad application in industrial radiography, nondestructive evaluations, homeland security, and other advanced imaging applications.