High Resolution 3-D Position Sensitive Detector for Gamma Rays - Reference #125

Background

Conventional gamma ray detectors employed in medical imaging (e.g. PET, SPECT) are typically complex and expensive. Most offer limited accuracy in determining X-Y coordinates of gamma ray interactions and fail to determine the Z coordinate. These basic inaccuracies produce scan images (e.g. from PET, SPECT, PET/CT) that lack the desired precision for medical diagnosis, treatment, and research.

 

Technology Description

This novel gamma ray detector and method of detection provides extremely accurate three-dimensional positioning of gamma ray interactions for producing an image of a scanned object while offering high efficiency, high energy resolution, and high rate capability. The detector is comprised of an active region containing liquid xenon, photodetectors, and a collector for localizing the origin of ionization.

The three-dimensional position of a gamma ray interactions is first determined using scintillation light signals. Ionization electrons from the interaction are then collected in a position-sensitive collector. Sub-millimetre three-dimensional position information is obtained by 1) localizing the position of the interaction in two dimensions (X and Y) based on the position of the ionization electrons, and by 2) determining the third dimension (Z) based on the time of arrival of the ionization electrons relative to when the scintillation light is detected.

 

Advantages

  • Precise position of the interaction is measured and parallax errors are largely eliminated since all three dimensions of the interaction point are measured simultaneously with comparable resolutions (~ 1 mm or less in all three dimensions)
  • Large reduction in the required number of readout channels compared to conventional detectors
  • Uniform position resolution response
  • Large area coverage at modest cost with high resolution, high detection efficiency, high energy resolution, and faster timing response than for conventional detectors
  • Customizable to a large range of gamma ray energy and exposure applications
  • Optional determination of the angle of the incident gamma ray
  • Does not rely on expensive scintillator materials like LSO and BGO
  • Data can be collected from multiple detectors and processed in one common processor

 

Applications

  • Medical imaging (e.g. PET, SPECT, PET/CT)
  • Industrial imaging
  • Homeland security

 

Commercial Status

A U.S. Patent has been obtained and patent applications have been filed internationally. An initial prototype is under construction. This technology is available for immediate licensing. Please contact us for further information.

 

Contact

Phil Gardner
Head, Technology Transfer Division
Phone: 604.222.7436
Email: ttadmin@triumf.ca
* Please quote reference number 125.