Novel, Needle-Shapred Scintillator for Emission Transmission Tomography

With the ever-increasing number of human disease models, particularly in smaller animals, high-resolution, emission/transmission tomography techniques have become extremely important. The main 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, current state-of-the-art scintillator technology remains the primary performance-limiting factor. To address these limitations, 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 at reduced cost. Phase I will demonstrate feasibility of developing a rare earth halide scintillator using vapor deposition techniques. To achieve high spatial resolution while maintaining high, x-ray/gamma-ray absorption efficiency, the scintillator will be grown in the form of microcolumnar films. In addition to providing excellent stoichiometry control, the vapor deposition method will allow large area films to be fabricated in an economical and time-efficient manner. The performance of the scintillator films thus produced will be evaluated using x-rays/gamma-rays, and compared to the performance of current scintillators. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the Applicant: The novel scintillator should have widespread use in small-animal/human SPECT/CT imaging systems in particular, and in nuclear medicine systems in general. Additionally, it will have applications in the area of gamma ray imaging, high-speed and ultra-high-speed x-ray imaging, nondestructive testing, and homeland security