PET Scanner Prismatoid Light Guide DOI Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PET systems face challenges with poor spatial resolution, high costs due to complex readout electronics, and inefficiencies in crystal identification and light sharing, which affect energy and DOI resolutions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a PET detector system with a cavity formed by a plurality of rails connected to supports, featuring particle detection devices with scintillator arrays and prismatoids for redirecting photons, and a processor for 3D gamma ray localization and DOI resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dual-ended DOI readout detectors are used to achieve continuous DOI resolution, then depth-encoding capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to large number of readout electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the depth-encoding capability from the readout electronics and implements it through passive optical elements (prismatoids) and geometric arrangements of scintillator crystals. This removes the need for complex dual-ended readout electronics while maintaining continuous DOI resolution through light path manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces glass light guides as intermediary elements between scintillator crystals and SiPM pixels. These light guides facilitate efficient light transport and sharing without requiring additional active electronics, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If single-ended readout detector modules are used to reduce cost, then device complexity is reduced, but depth-encoding capability and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from electronic depth-encoding to optical depth-encoding by manipulating light paths in three-dimensional space using prismatoids and tilted crystal arrangements. This dimensional approach to depth-encoding maintains measurement precision while avoiding the need for complex readout electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the detector by tilting scintillator crystals at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) and positioning SiPM pixels at corresponding angles. This geometric parameter change enables depth-encoding functionality in a single-ended readout configuration, maintaining precision while reducing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform glass light guide is used for light sharing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inefficient intercrystal light sharing and isotropic distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform light sharing characteristics through the angled arrangement of scintillator crystals and prismatoids. This localized optical design directs light preferentially to specific neighboring pixels based on interaction position, improving crystal identification accuracy while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
4Area of stationary object
If edge and corner pixels are used in SiPM readout chips, then area coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of light sharing neighbors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the asymmetry of edge and corner pixels by designing the optical system to compensate for their reduced neighbor connections. Through angled crystal arrangements and prismatoid positioning, the system creates asymmetric light paths that effectively route sufficient photons to edge pixels, equalizing their performance with central pixels.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances spatial resolution, reduces costs by simplifying readout electronics, and improves energy and DOI resolutions by efficient light sharing and crystal identification, making it a cost-effective high-resolution TOF PET scanner.
Implementation Method 1
detector modules consisting of depolished multicrystal scintillator arrays coupled 4-to-1 to SiPM pixels
Implementation Method 2
upward traveling photons, which do not contribute to the timing information, should be redirected via 180° bending of their paths towards the nearest neighboring SiPMs
Implementation Method 3
silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) pixels
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a device that includes a cavity formed by a plurality of rails, the plurality of rails connected to both a first support and a second support, each at predetermined intervals about a circumference of the first support and the second support; and at least one particle detection device operably connected to each rail of the plurality of rails. The disclosure is also directed to a scanner that includes the device, and a processor.