A compact gamma camera with scintillation array and parallel-hole collimator

A new compact gamma camera for small object imaging has been developed. It consists of a pixelized Nal（T1） scintillator array coupled to a position sensitive photomultiplier tube （Hamamatsu R2486） with a parallel-hole lead collimator. The compact camera has better spatial resolution than Anger camera. The average value of intrinsic spatial resolutions is 2.3 mm （FWHM）. The overall spatial resolution （FWHM） is 3, 5 and 6 mm at 0, 2.5 and 3 mm SCD （source-to-collimator distance）, respectively. The phantom studies with the compact camera have demonstrated that parallel-hole collimator gamma camera is a practical technique for nuclear medicine application.     

Monte-Carlo simulation of pinhole collimator of a small field of view gamma camera for small animal imaging

Needs in scintimammography applications,especially for small animal cardiac imaging,lead to develop a small field of view,high spatial resolution gamma camera with a pinhole collimator.However the ideal pinhole collimator must keep a compromise between spatial resolution and sensitivity.In order to design a pinhole collimator with an optimized sensitivity and spatial resolution,the spatial resolution and the geometric sensitivity response as a function of the source to collimator distance has been obtained by means of Monte-Carlo simulation for a small field of view gamma camera with a pinhole collimator of various-hole diameters.The results show that the camera with pinhole of 1 mm,1.5 mm and 2 mm diameter has respectively spatial resolution of 1.5 mm,2.25 mm and 3 mm and geometric sensitivity of 0.016%,0.022% and 0.036%,while the source to collimator distance is 3 cm.We chose the pinhole collimator with hole diameter size of 1.2 mm for our the gamma camera designed based on the wade-off between sensitivity and resolution.     

Monte Carlo simulation of breast tumor imaging properties withcompact, discrete gamma cameras

Describes Monte Carlo simulation results for breast tumor imaging using a compact, discrete gamma camera. The simulations were designed to analyze and optimize camera design, particularly collimator configuration and detector pixel size. Simulated planar images of 5-15 mm diameter tumors in a phantom patient (including a breast, torso, and heart) were generated for imaging distances of 5-55 mm, pixel sizes of 2×2-4×4 mm², and hexagonal and square hole collimators with sensitivities from 4000 to 16,000 counts/mCi/sec. Other factors considered included T/B (tumor-to-background tissue uptake ratio) and detector energy resolution. Image properties were quantified by computing the observed tumor FWHM (full-width at half-maximum) and S/N (sum of detected tumor events divided by the statistical noise). Results suggest that hexagonal and square hole collimators perform comparably, that higher sensitivity collimators provide higher tumor S/N with little increase in the observed tumor FWHM, that smaller pixels only slightly improve tumor FWHM and S/N, and that improved detector energy resolution has little impact on either the observed tumor FWHM or the observed tumor S/N     

Development of a low-energy high resolution X-ray camera for high-energy gamma photon background environments

Although a high-energy gamma camera can obtain images of ¹³⁷Cs distribution by detecting the 662-keV gamma photons, its spatial resolution is reduced because high-energy gamma photons penetrate the edge of the pinhole collimator. To solve this problem, we developed a low-energy X-ray camera that detects the characteristic X-ray photons (32–37 keV) that are emitted from ¹³⁷Cs to obtain high resolution images. We used a 45 × 45 × 1-mm-thick NaI(Tl) scintillator that was encapsulated in 0.1-mm-thick aluminum and optically coupled to a 2-inch square, position sensitive photomultiplier tube (Hamamatsu Photonics, PSPMT:H12700 MOD) as an imaging detector. The imaging detector was encased in a 2-cm-thick tungsten alloy container and a pinhole collimator was attached to its camera head. The spatial resolution and sensitivity were ～5 mm full-width at half-maximum and ～0.6 cps/MBq for the 1.5-mm pinhole collimator 10 cm from the collimator surface, respectively. We administered 5 MBq of ¹³⁷Cs to a soybean seedling, imaged the distribution of radionuclides for six hours, and successfully obtained a high resolution image of it with our developed X-ray camera. We believe our camera will be a powerful tool for such ¹³⁷Cs imaging in plants.     

High-resolution SPECT for small-animal imaging

1Introduction The rapid advance in molecular biology and the increasing use of transgenic mice as models of human biology and diseases have led to significant interests in the development of noninvasive,high-resolution,in vivo imaging techniques for small animals[1-4].Medi-cal imaging techniques including ultrasound(US),computed tomography(CT),magnetic resonance im-aging(MRI),positron emission tomography(PET),and single-photon emission computed tomography(SPECT),are contributing to this …     

A new multi-parallel-beam collimators with improved sensitivity for SPECT

In this paper, a new design of multi-parallel-beam (MPB) collimators with projection multiplexing is proposed. In the MPB system, two different oblique parallel channels are introduced in a conventional parallel-beam collimator. The sensitivity of the single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system is improved by allowing projection overlapping. Comparative simulation studies were performed in the MPB collimators, general purpose parallel-beam (GPPB) collimators and high sensitivity parallel-beam (HSPB) collimators. In the simulation, attenuation, scattering and the impact of detector response were neglected. Simulation results show that the sensitivity is improved for the MPB collimator comparing with parallel-beam collimator. The behavior of spatial resolution is only different near the front face of the collimators and approaches that of the GPPB with increasing depth. Proper pre-filtering is helpful for the image reconstruction in the MPB collimators. Comparing with the HSPB collimator, the MPB can achieve a similar sensitivity and better resolution. The simulation ot the U87 cells, and their expression levels were higher in the 10 Gy group than in the 0 Gy group. The differential gene expression in DCX-U87 cells before and after radiation is helpful for future investigations into the mechanisms of radiation therapy in neurogliocytoma cells.     

γ相机准直器的质量指标对比研究

对比研究γ相机准直器的3个主要质量指标对评价和检测准直器质量的价值。用同型号低能通用低能高分辨平行孔准直器4只,参照NEMA标准（1994）,分别测试各准直器的系统均匀性,同时测试系统空间分辨率及灵敏度,对测试结果进行比较和分析。结果表明,同型号准直器的系统空间分辨率与灵敏度两项指标基本接近,而均匀性指标存在较大差异（当部分准直器存在质量问题时）。其中系统积分和微分均匀性分别超过6％和3％的3只准直器被证实存在质量问题。说明系统均匀性定量和定性地反映准直器的性能,是反映准直器质量问题的最基本和最有效指标。     

Performance characterization and first clinical evaluation of aintra-operative compact gamma imager

The growing interest of cancer surgeons in intra-operative probes has led to the development of several prototypes of high resolution mini gamma cameras. The aim of this paper is to present a global characterization of the one that we developed and the corresponding first evaluation in a clinical context. The current prototype of POCI (per-operative compact imager) is a 24 mm diameter intensified position sensitive diode optically coupled to a scintillation crystal plate and a novel parallel hole tungsten collimator. In order to face the various clinical situations, two sets of collimator/scintillator imaging heads have been developed either for high spatial resolution or high efficiency purposes. Both of them have first been optimized for ^99m Tc labeled tumor detection. Performances of POCI for these two head modules are presented using phantom studies. The results show spatial resolution values ranging between 1 and 1.9 mm (without significant distortion) and a corresponding detection efficiency ranging from 6·10^-3 up to 0.2 events/kBq/sec. Finally, first clinical evaluation of this new high-resolution compact camera concerned sentinel lymph node imaging which is included in melanoma and breast cancer staging protocols. Preliminary results already demonstrate that the performance characteristics of POCI are compatible with intra-operative imaging purposes and suggest how such mini-cameras can improve the success rate of tumor removal surgeries     

高分辨micro-SPECT成像系统针孔准直器的优化设计

为了最大限度地减少γ射线在针孔准直器上的透射和散射效应,采用蒙特卡罗方法对单光子发射计算机断层(SPECT)成像系统使用的针孔准直器进行优化.模拟计算结果与实验测试得到的系统灵敏度和空间分辨率曲线相符,达到了高分辨小动物成像的要求.     

Phantom experiments on a PSAPD-based compact gamma camera with submillimeter spatial resolution for small animal SPECT

We demonstrate a position sensitive avalanche photodiode (PSAPD) based compact gamma camera for the application of small animal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The silicon PSAPD with a two-dimensional resistive layer and four readout channels is implemented as a gamma ray detector to record the energy and position of radiation events from a radionuclide source. A 2 mm thick monolithic CsI:Tl scintillator is optically coupled to a PSAPD with a 8mm×8mm active area, providing submillimeter intrinsic spatial resolution, high energy resolution (16% full-width half maximum at 140 keV) and high gain. A mouse heart phantom filled with an aqueous solution of 370 MBq (99m)Tc-pertechnetate (140 keV) was imaged using the PSAPD detector module and a tungsten knife-edge pinhole collimator with a 0.5 mm diameter aperture. The PSAPD detector module was cooled with cold nitrogen gas to suppress dark current shot noise. For each projection image of the mouse heart phantom, a rotated diagonal readout algorithm was used to calculate the position of radiation events and correct for pincushion distortion. The reconstructed image of the mouse heart phantom demonstrated reproducible image quality with submillimeter spatial resolution (0.7 mm), showing the feasibility of using the compact PSAPD-based gamma camera for a small animal SPECT system.     

高能γ光子成像针孔准直器的解析设计方法

在对高辐射环境进行射线源分布成像时,需要为γ相机设计专门的用于高能光子成像的针孔准直器。为了简化针孔准直器的设计过程,使用几个新的解析公式来描述准直器各参数与性能间的关系。首先,采用解析方法推导了更通用的有效孔径公式、角分辨率公式和几何相对效率公式;然后,与采用蒙特卡罗方法模拟计算得到的数值进行比较。结果表明,解析方法提供的计算结果在一定范围内准确可靠。因此,本工作使用的针孔准直器解析设计方法简单方便,物理图像清晰,具有一定的实用价值。     

The YAP camera: an accurate gamma camera particularly suitable fornew radiopharmaceuticals research

The YAP Camera represents refined research instrument in nuclear medicine and pharmacology because of its overall detection efficiency comparable to an Anger Camera and its submillimeter intrinsic spatial resolution. The YAP Camera consists of a YAP:Ce multicrystal matrix, whose pillars dimensions are 0.6 mm×0.6 mm×10 mm, optically coupled with a position sensitive PMT Hamamatsu R2486 and furnished with a parallel hole lead collimator 20 mm thick with holes diameter of 0.5 mm and septa of 0.15 mm. At this stage it is a miniature camera, with a field of view (FOV) of 40 mm×40 mm and a total spatial resolution of 1.0-1.2 mm, currently used for radiotracers studies on small biological specimens. A detailed analysis of the detector position linearity and energy responses are presented in this work. The intrinsic spatial resolution is studied with three different single hole collimators (1.0, 0.3, and 0.2 mm), and a theoretical equation is presented. Three different parallel hole collimators are tested to evaluate the optimal hole and septa dimensions. Finally, it is demonstrated that two correction procedures are capable of recovering the image spatial homogeneity and of removing the statistical noise. Some phantom images show the importance of the small-field YAP Camera in the radiopharmacological research     

Investigation of 90° dual-camera half-fanbeam collimation formyocardial SPECT imaging

This study investigated several aspects of the use of half-fanbeam collimation with a 90° dual-camera system for myocardial single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. The detection efficiency, relative to parallel-hole collimation, was evaluated for a range of focal lengths and radii of rotation (ROR) to determine if there was an optimum focal length, which maximized the detection efficiency. In addition, sinograms were constructed and a simulation study was performed to determine if there was an optimal camera system rotation that maximized the total acquired myocardial counts while providing sufficient angular sampling for the myocardial region. Finally, artifacts in images reconstructed from data acquired over various system rotations were evaluated using simulated and experimental data. There existed an optimal collimator focal length for a given ROR; but it varied with ROR. Relative to parallel-hole collimation, the detection efficiency for half-fanbeam collimation was roughly 20% greater, for cast collimators constructed using the same pins and thickness. The theoretical minimum system rotation for sufficient sampling of the myocardial region ranged from 124° to 148° for RORs ranging from 13 to 25 cm, respectively. The total number of acquired myocardial counts was relatively constant for system rotations of 90° to 360°. Myocardial SPECT images reconstructed iteratively with attenuation compensation from half-fanbeam data collected over system rotations ranging from 135° to 360° showed no artifacts in the myocardial region. Based on these results, the authors concluded that there was no single optimum system rotation, but that a system rotation of 180° centered at 45° left anterior oblique was a good, practical minimum rotation. Half-fanbeam collimation is a useful alternative system configuration for myocardial SPECT imaging     

断层屏蔽SPECT成像法探讨

本文以空间积分原理为基础,以逐渐逼近法为图像重建的核心,探讨了可实现断层屏蔽的SPECT成像的途径.与传统的SPECT成像方法比较,它具有高的灵敏度和数据获取速度快的特点.由于无须用机械装置将γ照相机旋转,消除了运动带来的误差,提高了成像的质量.本文用线性方程组的松弛解法对无散射和无噪音的二维空间的模拟数据进行了验算,证明逐渐逼近法能逐渐逼近到放射性分布区域,并能基本给出分布形式.     

Line-Scanning Proportional Counter Camera

A new method was developed for imaging spatial distributions of photons, charged particles, or neutrons over large areas by a line-scanning camera. This camera uses a linear position-sensitive proportional counter (PSPC) based on resistance-capacitance (RC) position encoding. 1-6 Applications of this camera include low-dose, medium-resolution radiography of large objects (>2 by 2 m); and, in nuclear medicine, low-dose, whole-body radionuclide imaging and radiography with low energy photons (<150keV). A prototypic camera was built and tested to scan an area of 60 by 100 cm. The spatial resolution is 1 by 1 mm fwhm for radiography with 60-keV photons and 3 by 3 mm fwhm for radionuclide imaging with 50-keV photons (limited by collimator resolution). Compared to point-by-point scanning, the line-scanning method reduces the mechanical complexity of the camera and eliminates problems encountered in construction of large-area, high pressure PSPCs. This method is superior to the area PSPC for imaging objects >60 by 60cm.     

基于连续晶体的高性价比小型伽玛相机模块的设计

研究一种基于连续闪烁晶体配合位置灵敏光电倍增管(PSPMT)设计高分辨率小型伽玛相机模块的新方案。采用蒙特卡罗方法研究了压缩效应及内在空间分辨率与晶体参数的关系,进一步改进PSPMT的读出电路与定位方法,开发基于局域重心法的读出电子学电路,最后进行了成像实验测试。结果表明,基于局域重心法的读出电子学电路能够有效抑制晶体的压缩效应,晶体的空间分辨率和压缩效应都随着晶体厚度的减少而得到改善。因此,这种设计方案是可行的,其内在空间分辨率能够达到1?2mm,比采用晶体阵列有更好的性价比。     

区域γ辐射定向监测仪准直器的设计

为区域γ辐射分布定向监测实验相机系统设计了一个针孔准直器。应用针孔准直器的解析公式,根据探测器内在分辨率和实验相机系统的预期分辨率,考虑探测器尺寸,确定了相机的焦距及准直器的张角;然后根据预期角分辨率计算有效孔径,得出孔径和孔深的范围;再利用蒙特卡罗方法模拟面源入射,在各种孔径和孔深组合中,挑选出透射和散射光子份额最小的组为最优组,对应孔径和孔深参数即为最优参数。     

Quantification of the Multiplexing Effects in Multi-Pinhole Small Animal SPECT: A Simulation Study

Our goal is to study the trade-off between image degradation and improved detection efficiency and resolution from allowing multiplexing in multi-pinhole (MPH) SPECT, and to determine the optimal pinhole number for MPH design. We used an analytical 3D MPH projector and two digitized phantoms: the mouse whole body (MOBY) phantom and a hot sphere phantom to generate noise-free and noisy projections, simulating pinhole collimators fitted with pre-studied pinhole patterns. We performed three schemes to achieve different degrees of multiplexing: 1. Fixed magnification and detection efficiency; 2. Fixed detection efficiency and changed magnification; 3. Fixed magnification and changed detection efficiency. We generated various noisy data sets by simulating Poisson noise using differently scaled noise-free projections and obtained 20 noise realizations for each setting. All datasets were reconstructed using 3D MPH ML-EM reconstruction method. We analyzed the quantitative accuracy by the normalized-mean-square-error. We evaluated the image contrast for the hot sphere phantom simulation, and also the image noise by the average normalized-standard-deviation of certain pixels for different degrees of multiplexing. Generally, no apparent artifacts were observed in the reconstructed images, illustrating the effectiveness of reconstructions. Bias increased for increased degree of multiplexing. Contrast was not significantly affected by multiplexing in the specific simulation scheme (1). Scheme (2) showed that excessive multiplexing to improve image resolution would not improve the overall trade-off of bias and noise compared to no multiplexing. However, scheme (3) showed that when comparing to no multiplexing, the trade-off improved initially with increased multiplexing by allowing more number of pinholes to improve detection efficiency. The trade-off reached a maximum and decreased with further multiplexing due to image degradation from increased bias. The optimal pinhole number was 7 for a compact camera with size of 12 cm × 12 cm and 9 for a standard gamma camera with size of 40 cm × 40 cm in this scheme. We conclude that the gains in improved detection efficiency and resolution by increased multiplexing are offset by increased image degradations. All the aforementioned factors must be considered in the optimum MPH collimator design for small animal SPECT imaging.     

Laminographic Excitation Camera for Thyroid Imaging

We describe a camera for the laminographic imaging of the thyroid without administration of radiopharmaceuticals to the patient. An external source of gamma-rays is used to excite the characteristic x-rays of natural iodine in the patient's thyroid, source geometry limiting excitation to well-defined planes. The camera consists of a parallel hole collimator and a xenon-filled proportional wire chamber with digitized readout of coordinates. Pulse height selection is provided to limit events in the image display to a selected energy range. We estimate that the system will obtain high resolution laminography for local exposures on the order of 1 to 5 rad, with exposure times of a few minutes for each laminogram.