A Detector for Combined SPECT/CT

75524-Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) maintains an important role in the study of disease models in small animals as well as in patient care. Although rich in physiological information content, interpretation of SPECT data for these studies is challenging because SPECT images lack anatomical information. Dual-modality imaging, which combines radionuclide imaging with anatomical imaging, addresses this issue; however, the images are obtained at different times and on different pieces of equipment, resulting in misregistration errors, complications in diagnostic process, and significant increases in the study time. This project will develop a system to allow the two imaging studies to be performed with a single detector module at close to the same time. The detector will allow registration of radionuclide and x-ray images with high spatial resolution, high efficiency, and improved signal to noise ratio in a cost-effective manner. Phase I will fabricate and characterize the detector, based on a new high resolution, high efficiency scintillator coupled to a novel readout. The resulting prototype will be incorporated into an existing emission/transmission tomography setup, and SPECT/CT imaging will be performed to demonstrate feasibility. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new detector should have widespread use in small animal/human SPECT/CT imaging systems in particular, and nuclear medicine systems in general. Additionally, the readout sensor should have application to high sensitivity x-ray imaging, bioluminescence imaging, nondestructive testing, and homeland security.