Design Considerations for Positron Emission Tomography

The surge of interest in medical research with positron-emitting nuclides has been accompanied by improvements in the design of positron emission tomographs (scanners). Bismuth germanate has emerged as the scintillation material of choice for high resolution scanners, as its detection efficiency with small crystals is higher than that of NaI. Other detector materials, such as CsF, may be useful when timing accuracy is of great importance, as in high count rate studies or time-of-flight measurements. Circular detector arrays are now generally preferred because they provide the best sensitivity and uniformity of coverage. Multiple rings are used to increase the axial coverage. Other design parameters, such as detector and collimator dimensions, are surveyed and their effect on scanner performance is discussed.