Development of a next-generation PET detector with TOF and DOI detection capability

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 17K18378
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Medical Physics and Radiological Technology; Medical systems
• Research Institution: National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Takyu Sodai 国立研究開発法人量子科学技術研究開発機構, 放射線医学総合研究所 先進核医学基盤研究部, 博士研究員(任常) (60796473)
• Project Period (FY): 2017-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 放射線検出器 / PET / DOI / TOF

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Positron emission tomography (PET), which is a powerful imaging modality used for clinical and research purposes, has not fully utilized its potential performance in terms of spatial resolution and sensitivity. Therefore, in this study, we developed a next-generation practical PET detector with time-of-flight (TOF) and depth-of-interaction (DOI) detection capability. The developed single-end readout detector showed around 5 mm DOI resolution and less than 500 ps TOF resolution. Also, the developed dual-end readout detector showed a less than 4 mm DOI resolution and less than 300 ps TOF resolution.

Free Research Field

医用放射線工学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

PETの診断精度向上のためには、現状4-5mm 程度の解像度と5%以下の装置感度について、共に改善を図る必要がある。また、TOF 計測とDOI計測の両立が可能なPET 用検出器は従来技術ではまだ実用化されていない。本研究成果により、上記の解像度と感度を超えるPET装置の開発が可能となり、がんやアルツハイマー病の早期診断において、より早期発見が可能な短時間・低被ばく・低コストなPET 検査の実現が促進されると期待される。