Fast, High Resolution PET Detector

72085-Proton Emission Technology (PET) is a powerful imaging tool that can provide diagnosis for symptoms of diseases such as Alzheimer¿s, cancer, head trauma, and stroke. However, the performance of current clinical PET systems is limited by available detector technology, and improved PET instrumentation will be needed to exploit the full potential of this promising technique. This project will investigate a new detector material for PET with fast response and high energy resolution. The new detector not only would significantly reduce scatter and random errors, the main limitations in three-dimensional PET, but also would make time-of-flight PET a possibility. In Phase I, the detector was extensively characterized, and the the feasibility of producing a high resolution, fast detector for PET was demonstrated. Phase II will conduct an extensive evaluation of the preparation and properties of large crystal samples, particulary with regard to their use in a PET imaging detector. Simulation studies of the new detector for use in PET imaging are also planned. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The detector technology should be very promising for PET and other medical imaging modalities such as SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography). It should also be applicable in nuclear and high energy physics, astronomy, diffraction, non-destructive studies, safeguards, and bore hole logging.