Novel, Needle-Shaped Scintillator for Emission Transmission Tomography

80495S06 With the ever-increasing number of human disease models, particularly in smaller animals, high resolution emission/transmission tomography techniques have become extremely important. Such advanced imaging requires advanced detectors, and although detector technologies have improved significantly in recent years, the current state-of-the-art scintillator technology remains the primary performance-limiting factor. The main barriers to using existing modalities in studies of laboratory animals remain poor spatial resolution, low sensitivity, and high cost. This project will develop a new scintillator formed by the co-evaporation of rare earth halides onto suitable substrates. This new scintillator will simultaneously provide high spatial resolution, excellent stopping efficiency, high light output, and fast response, and will do so at reduced cost. Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of growing microcolumnar films of rare earth halide scintillator material using a vapor deposition approach. The films achieved a high spatial resolution of 10 1p/mm or higher for radiographic and radionuclide imaging. Phase II will fabricate large area scintillators of the required thickness. The microcolumnar structure of the films will be controlled to enhance scintillation yield, while maintaining very high spatial resolution. The scintillator films will be thoroughly evaluated to confirm their superiority over existing scintillators. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The scintillator should find widespread use in small animal and human SPECT/CT imaging systems in particular, and in nuclear medicine systems in general. Additional applications include high speed and ultra-high speed X-ray imaging, nondestructive testing, and homeland security.