Evaluation of imaging modules based on SensL array SB-8 for nuclear medicine applications

Recent advances in the development of silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) offer new opportunities for medical imaging applications. Specifically, novel imaging devices for positron emission (PET) and single photoemission computed tomography (SPECT) are becoming feasible. In this investigation, we tested a monolithic array of new generation SiPMs, an SB-8 array from SensL. 8×8 array of 6-mm square SiPMs was studied with two different multiplexing readouts, 4- and 16-channels. SB-8 detector was coupled to various scintillation arrays and resulting prototypes were evaluated. Testing demonstrated that the new device is capable of resolving 1 mm LYSO and 1.5 mm NaI crystals with 16-channel readout and 1.57 mm LYSO and 3 mm NaI crystals with 4-channel readout. Energy resolution of approximately 15 % at 511 keV and 19 % at 122 keV were obtained with LYSO and NaI crystals respectively. Timing resolution of 1.52 ns was measured with 1.57 mm LYSO array and the 16-channel readout. It is concluded that new B-series SiPMs from SensL are suitable for use in high performance nuclear medicine particle detectors.