Detector for Gamma Rays - Reference #102

Background

Conventional gamma ray detectors, such as those used in positron emission tomography (PET) scanners and other imaging devices, have limited spatial accuracy, especially in the determination of the depth of interaction coordinate. Large numbers of detectors are required in order to produce the necessary data to generate an accurate scan image. The equipment needed to generate, collect, and compile this data can be very complex and expensive. Moreover, conventional detector materials, such as cerium doped lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) and bismuth germanate (BGO), are expensive.

 

Technology Description

A TRIUMF researcher has developed an innovative gamma ray detector that addresses the limitations of conventional detectors described above for applications requiring good spatial resolution and high efficiency, but only minimal energy resolution. The elements of the device consist of inert absorbers and active plastic scintillators, photodetectors, and dual coordinate position-sensitive proportional detectors. The absorber and scintillator convert gamma rays to charged particles and the scintillator emits light that is detected by the photodetector. The signal produced by the photodetector is used to trigger functions of a controller and readout system.

The detector is able to determine X, Y, and Z coordinates of gamma ray interactions, producing highly accurate data points for scan images. Additionally, cost and complexity are reduced since photodetectors can be used to monitor many scintillators. The apparatus may be constructed using inexpensive materials for the converter, scintillator, and position detector, thus providing further reductions in production cost.

 

Advantages

  • Offers significant cost reductions over common detectors, thus making large area coverage feasible
  • Does not rely on expensive, conventional scintillator materials like LSO and BGO
  • Provides greater accuracy in determining the coordinates of gamma ray interactions, particularly the Z coordinate (i.e. depth)
  • Can optionally determine the incident angle of gamma rays
  • Requires far less monitoring instrumentation (fewer read-out channels) than conventional devices
  • Can achieve faster scintillator response time using plastic scintillators instead of crystalline materials

 

Applications

  • Medical imaging
  • Detection of explosives

 

Commercial Status

Patent protection has been obtained in the U.S., Europe, and Australia and is still pending in a few jurisdictions worldwide. This technology is available for immediate licensing. Please contact us for further information.

 

Contact

Ann Fong
Manager, Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialization
Phone: 604.222.7471
Email: ttadmin@triumf.ca
* Please quote reference number 102.