An exhaustive and systematic search for optimal PET scintillator materials

We have initiated a comprehensive and systematic search for new PET scintillator materials by (1) definition of figures of merit (FOM) for specific PET applications based on the parameters of attenuation length, photoelectric fraction, density, materials cost, crystal growing cost, luminosity, photodetector efficiency, and decay time, (2) choice and screening of a suitably comprehensive database, (3) calculation by our Oracle program of the first four parameters in (1) and the resultant partial FOMs, with prioritization according to any one parameter or partial FOM, (4) preliminary experimental screening by modified DTA measurements to determine ease of crystal growth, with estimation by our Miser program of the cost of growing crystals, and semiquantitative luminescence measurements using a modified microprobe system, (5) quantitative measurements of decay time, luminosity, and emission wavelength on small powder samples using a pulsed x-ray system, and (6) recalculation and reprioritization of the complete FOMs by the Oracle program for subsequent single crystal studies. By using differently formulated FOMs, this program can also be used to search for optimal scintillators for non-PET applications.