Monte Carlo simulation using DETECT2000 of a multi-layered scintillation block and fit to experimental data

We have used DETECT2000, a Monte Carlo simulation program of the light photon transport inside a scintillation block, to improve the performance of our next positron emission mammography system. The scintillation block is composed of two arrays of crystal that are held together by an interconnecting layer. At first, we used previously acquired data on the block to find good surface parameters for the scintillation block. We have found that the surface of the crystals are smooth and have good reflectivity. When a good set of parameters was found, DETECT2000 was used to find geometric changes to the block that would increase its performance. The simulation determined that the removal of the interconnecting layer would yield the best results. The practical results on a modified block yielded excellent results, showing the power of Monte Carlo simulations.