Positron emission tomography detector module, radiation detector, positron emission tomography scanner system, method of processing signals, and method of manufacturing radiation detector module

Abstract

A PET detector module according to one embodiment includes an array of scintillation crystal elements and a plurality of photosensors. The array includes a plurality of substantially optically isolated sub-arrays. The photosensors are arranged to cover the array and configured to receive light emitted from the array. The sub-arrays are optically isolated so that light emitted from an individual scintillation crystal located in a corresponding sub-array is concentrated so as to be primarily received only by those photosensors that cover the corresponding sub-array. At least one photosensor, which receives light emitted from crystals in a first sub-array, also receives light emitted from crystals in one and only one sub-array that is adjacent to the first sub-array.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 907,092, filed October 19, 2010, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-210687, filed September 27, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety content. technical field [0003] The embodiments described in this specification generally relate to the configuration of radiation detectors for gamma (gamma) ray detection and positron emission tomography. Background technique [0004] Currently, the use of gamma-ray detectors in general and positron emission tomography (Positron Emission Computerized Tomography: PET) in particular is increasing in the field of medical imaging (imaging). In PET imaging, radiopharmaceuticals enter the body of the subject to be imaged by injection, inhalation, or oral ingestion. After the radiopharmaceutical is administered, the drug concentrates on a specific part of the human body by utilizing its physic...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The loss of module independence in the sequential Quadruple approach means that once "full" detector modules are set, the detectors become fully functional and it becomes impossible to perform full testing and calibration of the modules before setting up

In the continuous quadrilateral sharing method, it is impossible to manufacture and test fully functional individual units before assembling the units into the scanner, and in addition, individual modules cannot be replaced when a part of the detectors fail

This is a major substantial shortcoming of the sequential quadrilateral approach

Images