An Efficient, Solid State Detector for Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography have become powerful new tools in imaging biological processes in small laboratory animals. However, the performance of these systems is often limited by the properties of the detectors available at present. This project will investigate a new solid state detector, which appears to be very promising due to its high efficiency, signal to noise ratio, and possibility of excellent energy resolution. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of applying the new solid state detectors towards small animal imaging. Single crystals of the proposed material will be grown, a detector will be fabricated, and its performance will be evaluated. Energy and timing resolution studies will be conducted. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the Applicant: Over and above the use in nuclear medicine, the new detectors should find use in particle physics, homeland defense, geological exploration, industrial imaging, and nuclear remediation.