Prism-PET Detector Modules for Adjustable High-Resolution PET Scanners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PET scanners face challenges with poor spatial resolution, high cost, and geometrical limitations, particularly affecting small nodules and human/rodent brain regions, due to fixed cylindrical geometry and lack of cost-effective DOI-capable detector modules.
Innovation Solution
A PET scanner design with movable upper and lower portions, adjustable wings, and detection modules featuring scintillator arrays with prismatoids to redirect photons, coupled with a processor for 3D gamma ray localization and Compton scatter correction, enabling adaptable geometry for various patient sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed cylindrical geometry is used, then device complexity is reduced, but spatial resolution and adaptability to different patient sizes deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the scanner geometry adjustable rather than fixed. The detector modules are arranged in a configurable geometry that can be adapted to different patient sizes and scan types, allowing the system to optimize spatial resolution for each specific application while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
2Measurement precision
If dual-ended DOI readout detectors are used, 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 DOI measurement capability from the readout electronics and implements it through optical design features in the detector module itself. By using depth encoding through optical photon transport analysis and light sharing patterns rather than additional electronic readout channels, the system achieves DOI resolution without proportionally increasing electronic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector module design provides multiple functions including energy measurement, timing resolution, and DOI encoding using a single readout electronics configuration. The light sharing patterns and optical photon transport analysis enable DOI measurement alongside standard PET detection functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated readout systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform glass light guide is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but crystal identification accuracy deteriorates due to inefficient light sharing and isotropic distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating anisotropic light sharing patterns in specific directions rather than uniform isotropic distribution. The light guide design incorporates features that preferentially direct light along desired paths to adjacent crystals, improving crystal identification accuracy by enhancing light sharing in critical directions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
4Device complexity
If edge and corner pixels are used in SiPM readout chips, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to poor crystal identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential disadvantage of edge and corner pixel positions into a benefit by utilizing their specific light sharing patterns. The anisotropic light guide design directs light from edge and corner crystals in ways that maintain or improve identification accuracy, transforming what could be a weakness into a functional advantage for those specific pixel locations.
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
Enhances spatial resolution to <2 mm, improves sensitivity, and reduces cost by accommodating different patient sizes without compromising image quality.
Implementation Method 1
detector modules featuring scintillator arrays with prismatoids to redirect photons
Implementation Method 2
prismatoids to redirect photons
Implementation Method 3
detection modules featuring scintillator arrays with prismatoids to redirect photons, coupled with a processor for 3D gamma ray localization
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a device and positron emission tomography (PET) scanner for acquiring a PET image and a system for generating the PET image. The disclosure describes a device that may have one or more moveable portions. The device may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion and lower portion define a cavity for a patient. At least one of the upper portion or the lower portion may be movable. The upper and lower portions may comprise a cap and wings, respectively, At least one of the caps and/or wings may comprise one or more detection modules. The wings may also move with respect to a corresponding cap.