The PIMager: A new tool for high sensitive digital β autoradiograph

The ß autoradiography is commonly used in preclinical research. This technique is able to locate, in 2 dimensions with a high spatial resolution, molecule labeled with ß emitters. We report on the development of an integrated and transportable device base on the PIM (Parallel Ionization Multiplier) structure able to perform the image of 10 microscope slides in the same time. Thin slices of organs can be labeled with ß emitters of low energy like ³H/¹⁴C or Auger electrons emitters such as ¹²⁵I / ^99mTc. The measured spatial resolution over the whole area of 18×18 cm² is 30 ¿m full width at half maximum in 2D with a ³H labeling. The sensitivity threshold is estimated to be close to 0.005 cps/min/mm². The use in proportional counter mode is suitable to perform on-line imaging and monitoring. New modalities such as large area imaging of entire rat slices or imaging of ß emitters of high energy like ¹³¹I or ¹⁸F are now under development. In case of labeling with ß emitters of high energy, the spatial resolution is estimated to be around 200 ¿m. First results obtained with these new configurations will be presented.