Advancements in TOF-PET using DOI Capable Modules and Low-Noise High-Frequency Readout

Abstract

Achieving good time resolution has become a prerequisite in positron emission tomography (PET) to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and thus the quality of the reconstructed image. A particularly attractive solution for the electronic readout is using low-noise high-frequency circuits (HF), which have demonstrated excellent timing performance in time-of-flight (TOF)-PET applications. With improvements in the achievable coincidence time resolution (CTR), the effect of light transport and gamma-ray depth of interaction (DOI) along the crystal axis becomes a dominant contribution that must be mitigated. To address this issue, a light-sharing mechanism using a matrix of scintillators coupled to an array of SiPMs can be employed to identify the DOI and correct for the induced bias. For the light-sharing method to work, readout integration in a multi-channel scheme is required. The use of HF circuits allows to lower the leading edge detection threshold, enabling the use of the fastest photons produced in the crystals and thereby overcoming the limitation of the NINO amplifier-discriminator chip. Previous studies have shown that the Hamamatsu S13361-3050AE-04 SiPM array and NINO amplifier-discriminator chip-based readout electronics achieved CTR values of 160 ps FWHM using an array of 16 LYSO crystals measuring 3.1x3.1x15 mm3. In this study, we present the performance improvement achieved by integrating this detector prototype into a 16-channel HF readout board. We outline the current limitations and solutions to overcome them.

Authors 7

1. G. Terragni

   TU Wien · European Organization for Nuclear Research

   Affiliation as printed

   CERN, Meyrin,Genève,Switzerland

   Technical University of Vienna, Vienna, Wien, Austria

2. N. Kratochwil

   European Organization for Nuclear Research

   Affiliation as printed

   CERN, Meyrin,Genève,Switzerland

3. Fiammetta Pagano

   University of Milano-Bicocca · European Organization for Nuclear Research

   Affiliation as printed

   CERN, Meyrin,Genève,Switzerland

   University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy

4. Joshua W. Cates

   Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

   Affiliation as printed

   Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,Berkeley,California,United States of America

   Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, United States of America

5. Marco Pizzichemi

   University of Milano-Bicocca · European Organization for Nuclear Research

   Affiliation as printed

   CERN, Meyrin,Genève,Switzerland

   University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy

6. Johann Marton

   TU Wien

   Affiliation as printed

   Technical University of Vienna,Vienna,Wien,Austria

   Technical University of Vienna, Vienna, Wien, Austria

7. E. Auffray Hillemanns

   European Organization for Nuclear Research

   Affiliation as printed

   CERN, Meyrin,Genève,Switzerland