Performance of the MADEIRA PET probe prototype

This paper reports the characterization of a detector module, the building block to be used for the MADEIRA PET probe prototype. The prototype will be used in synchronization with a conventional PET ring, amplifying the basic image with a subset of events with high spatial resolution. For image improvement, the crucial parameters are the spatial and timing resolution of the probe, while the energy resolution can be used in event classification. The final prototype is made of high-resistivity silicon detectors, 1 mm thick with 1040 square pads with a size of 1 mm. The performance was characterized on an evaluation module featuring the same electronics and sensor material, save for sensor geometry where a sensor with 256 square pads with a side of 1.4 mm was used. The pads were read out with VATAGP7, a Gamma Medica-Ideas designed application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC provides a logic trigger signal and an analog output for every out of 128 input channels. The measurement of the timing resolution was performed, using a positron source and a timing reference detector. A similar measurement was performed with a test pulse, ie. a charge injection into the ASIC, to study inherent resolution of the firststage electronics. We calibrated the analog output of the ASIC using standard gamma sources (²⁴¹Am), and we determined the overall energy resolution. The comparators were calibrated by a test pulse, looking at the rate of triggers versus threshold. The gain variation was compensated with internal 3-bit DACs. The evaluation module was successfully characterized, exhibiting energy resolution of 1.5 keV FWHM after gain alignment. The spread of the comparator levels can be decreased below 1 keV. The timing performance allows timing windows of 20 ns to be used. Based on the performance of the evaluation module we conclude that the final prototype can be used as a PET insert probe.