Semiconductor radiation detector, positron emission tomography apparatus, semiconductor radiation detection apparatus, detector unit and nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus

Abstract

Each semiconductor radiation detector used for a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus (PET apparatus) is constructed with an anode electrode A facing a cathode electrode C sandwiching a CdTe semiconductor member S which generates charge through interaction with γ-rays. Then, a thickness t of the semiconductor member S sandwiched between these mutually facing anode electrode A and cathode electrode C is set to 0.2 to 2 mm. Furthermore, the devices are mounted (laid out) on substrates in such a way that the distance (distance of conductor) between the semiconductor radiation detector and an analog ASIC which processes the signal detected by this detector is shortened. Furthermore, the substrates on which the detectors are mounted are housed in a housing as a unit (detector unit).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application is related to a U.S. Ser. No. ______ being filed based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-342437 filed on Sep. 30, 2003, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly, to a positron emission tomography (hereinafter referred to as “PET”) apparatus, which is a kind of a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus using a semiconductor radiation detector, semiconductor radiation detection apparatus or detector unit. [0003] A detector using a NaI scintillator is known as a conventional radiation detector for detecting radiation such as γ-rays. With a gamma camera (a kind of nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus) provided with a NaI scintillator, radiation (γ-rays) incident on the scintillator at an angle restricted by many collimators interacts with NaI crystals and emits...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention improves the detection sensitivity of semiconductor radiation detectors by shortening the distance between electrodes for charge collection. This reduces the time required for the detection signals to reach the electrodes, thereby increasing the detection sensitivity. Additionally, the invention includes a nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus with multiple unit substrates that can be easily mounted and maintained. The invention also addresses the issue of noise affecting the detection signals and allows for the replacement of malfunctioning components without having to replace the entire detector. The invention can prevent or reduce deterioration of the detection sensitivity of radiation using semiconductor radiation detectors and improve the quality of images obtained by the nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus."

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, shortening the distance up to the electrodes reduces the probability that holes may be annihilated midway the distance.

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