光导厚度对基于高分辨率LYSO和SiPM阵列PET探测器性能的影响

正电子发射计算机断层显像(Positron Emission Tomography,PET)是一种高灵敏和具有定量测量能力的分子影像方法,PET探测器通常由高探测效率的晶体阵列和位置灵敏或阵列光探测器组成,PET探测器的位置分辨率主要由晶体单元的大小和晶体分辨图的质量决定。使用现有小动物PET探测器常用的硅酸钇镥(Lutetium-yttrium Oyorthosilicate,LYSO)晶体阵列和硅光电倍增管(Silicon Photomultipliers,Si PM)阵列,系统地研究了晶体阵列和Si PM阵列之间光导的厚度对探测器晶体分辨图和能谱的影响。所使用的晶体阵列为12×12,单个晶体尺寸为0.89 mm×0.89 mm×10 mm,Si PM为日本滨松的4×4阵列,单元大小为3 mm×3 mm,间距为3.2 mm,光导使用厚度为0.5 mm、1.0 mm、1.5 mm、2.0 mm和2.5 mm的有机玻璃。实验结果表明:晶体分辨图的均匀性和对边缘晶体的分辨能力随着光导厚度的增加而改善,但随着光导厚度的增加,晶体分辨图中每个晶体单元的斑点大小增加,整个晶体分辨图的动态范围缩小。光导的使用几乎不改变晶体能谱的全能峰峰位和能量分辨率。综合以上因素,确定最佳的光导厚度为1.5 mm,本结果可对使用晶体截面约为1 mm×1 mm的晶体阵列和单元大小为3 mm×3 mm的Si PM阵列研发小动物PET探测器提供重要参考作用。     

基于沿单层LYSO晶体阵列深度多层反射膜分布的深度编码PET探测器研究

本文提出了在单层LYSO晶体阵列中,采用沿晶体深度布局多层反射膜,并通过SiPM阵列单端读出,从而进行深度测量的PET探测器方法。制作了2个晶体大小为3 mm×3 mm×20 mm的2×2 LYSO晶体阵列,分别布局2层和4层反射膜,对该探测器性能的实验测量结果表明,此探测器可清楚区分所有晶体单元。对于布局2层反射膜的探测器,上下两层事件平均正确指定的概率为85.1%,4个不同深度事件的平均正确指定概率为65.5%;对于布局4层反射膜的探测器,4个不同深度事件的平均正确指定概率为74.8%。布局4层反射膜的探测器的深度分辨率优于布局2层反射膜的探测器。两个探测器的平均能量分辨率分别为18.0%和12.2%。这种可分辨γ射线与晶体作用点深度的新型PET探测器,可用于今后研发高性能脑专用、全身和全景PET成像系统。     

基于沿单层LYSO晶体阵列深度多层反射膜分布的深度编码PET探测器研究

本文提出了在单层LYSO晶体阵列中，采用沿晶体深度布局多层反射膜，并通过SiPM阵列单端读出，从而进行深度测量的PET探测器方法。制作了2个晶体大小为3 mm×3 mm×20 mm的2×2 LYSO晶体阵列，分别布局2层和4层反射膜，对该探测器性能的实验测量结果表明，此探测器可清楚区分所有晶体单元。对于布局2层反射膜的探测器，上下两层事件平均正确指定的概率为85.1%，4个不同深度事件的平均正确指定概率为65.5%；对于布局4层反射膜的探测器，4个不同深度事件的平均正确指定概率为74.8%。布局4层反射膜的探测器的深度分辨率优于布局2层反射膜的探测器。两个探测器的平均能量分辨率分别为18.0%和12.2%。这种可分辨γ射线与晶体作用点深度的新型PET探测器，可用于今后研发高性能脑专用、全身和全景PET成像系统。     

一个二维读出多丝正比室的实验研究

中国散裂中子源(CSNS)反射谱仪中的高精度二维位置灵敏中子探测器以多丝正比室为探测单元.为了深入了解二维读出多丝正比室的性能及为中子探测器多丝室单元设计提供参考和依据,制作了一个二维读出多丝正比室模型.对模型的能量分辨率、正比性、位置分辨率等各种性能进行了较为系统的实验研究.测量得到当阳极高压在1700V～1900V时,多丝正比室模型的能量分辨率在23.5%左右,正比性较好,沿着阳极丝的位置分辨(FWHM)为0.3mm左右.     

晶体表面处理对用于PET的一种深度检出型探测器的时间响应特性的影响

晶体的不同的表面处理影响着总的光输出量,进而影响有它们构成的PET探测器的性能。为了优化设计一个新提出的深度检出型探测器,比较研究了不同表面情况的LSO晶体组成的该探测器的光输出量和时间分辨率特性。     

TOF-PET探测器定时性能初步研究

本工作采用LYSO晶体阵列和平板型位置灵敏光电倍增管H8500对TOF-PET探测器进行了初步设计,能分辨3.2mm×3.2mm的晶体阵列。与BaF₂探测器组成时间谱仪,测量正电子湮没射线的瞬发时间谱,得到379ps的符合时间分辨率。根据已测量的BaF₂探测器时间分辨率（159ps）,可计算得到所设计的TOF-PET探测器时间分辨率为344ps。预计与此相同的两个TOF-PET探测器对正电子湮没射线的符合时间分辨率可达486ps左右,为新型PET的研究提供了有利条件。     

基于连续晶体PET探测器模块电子学设计

和传统的基于分割晶体PET探测器相比,基于连续晶体的PET探测器具有设计结构简单、能量分辨率高、探测器效率高以及低造价等优点,近年来得到广泛的研究。基于连续晶体PET探测器的最大难点是要用探测器获得闪烁光分布,进而通过作用点定位算法计算γ光子的作用位置。探测器模块电子学需要读出和获取闪烁光的分布,因而电子学变得相对复杂。论文针对自行建立的基于连续LYSO晶体和神经网络定位算法的PET探测器模块的信号读出和数据获取的要求,设计和实现了64通道数据读出和获取电子学系统。该系统采用8片8通道、50 Mbps、串行输出、12 bit ADC对每个通道进行数字化,从海量的核事例中遴选出有效的核事例,在FPGA内实现数据打包、定时符合、基线恢复等功能。经过测试,电路各通道噪声低,增益一致性好。整个电子学系统结构紧凑、性能优良,适合基于连续晶体PET探测器的相关实验研究和应用研究。     

BGO阵列式探测器晶体开槽工艺及表面处理对能量分辨率影响的研究

介绍了用于正电子发射断层扫描仪的阵列式探测器中的ＢＧＯ晶体开槽工艺和表面处理对探测器能量分辨率影响的研究,并给出了有关的实验结果。     

大面积高灵敏度编码相机探测器的设计与性能测试

编码孔径相机是一种定位放射性物质的设备,对丢失放射性物质的寻找以及监测具有重要的意义。为了满足编码孔径相机对核突发事故的污染区进行实时定位,并获得污染面积和污染程度等信息,采用大面积CsI(Tl)晶体阵列与光电倍增管(PhotoMultiplier Tube,PMT)阵列耦合的方式构建高灵敏度编码相机的探测器,以此提高探测效率并减少探测时间。该探测器由121根CsI(Tl)晶体构成11×11的阵列,每根晶体的尺寸为15 mm×15 mm×15 mm,通过光导与3×3的光电倍增管阵列耦合为一个探测器模块;由4个探测器模块组成2×2的阵列作为探头部件,采用自主设计的放大滤波成型以及单端转差分电路实现探测器信号的读出处理。通过测试发现,该探测器模块在662 keV的γ射线激发下,能很好地实现各个晶体条的位置分辨,且其平均能量分辨率为9.4%。测试结果表明:该探测器在位置分辨、能量分辨率、峰位一致性以及探测效率一致性等性能方面均能够满足高灵敏度编码相机成像的设计要求。     

下一代康普顿望远镜的量能器探测单元研究

Me V能区的γ射线天文研究远落后于其它能区,导致该能区的天文物理信息至今还没被充分挖掘,因此,研制下一代高灵敏度的康普顿望远镜对于开展Me V能区的γ射线天文研究具有重要的科学意义。量能器作为康普顿望远镜的重要组成部分,应具有高能量分辨率和高位置分辨率,为此,设计了一种双端读出的γ射线探测器作为量能器的基本探测单元,并对其进行细致的研究。结果表明:通过双端读出信号幅值,可以确定γ射线的总能量以及在晶体中的相互作用位置,采用硅光电倍增管(Silicon Photomultiplier,Si PM)匹配铊激活碘化铯(Cs I(Tl))晶体时,探测单元获得比采用光电二极管(Photodiode,PD)和雪崩光电二极管(Avalanche Photodiode,APD)都更好的性能,对662 ke Vγ射线的能量分辨率可达5.9%(Full Width at Half Maxima,FWHM),位置分辨率约为5.7 mm(FWHM)。该探测单元能够很好地满足下一代康普顿望远镜对量能器的性能要求。     

Development of a compact DOI-TOF detector module for high-performance PET systems

To increase spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio in PET imaging,we present in this paper the design and performance evaluation of a PET detector module combining both depth-of-interaction(DOI) and time-offlight(TOF) capabilities.The detector module consists of a staggered dual-layer LYSO block with2 mm × 2 mm × 7 mm crystals.MR-compatible SiPM sensors(MicroFJ-30035-TSV,SensL) are assembled into an 8× 8 array.SiPM signals from both fast and slow outputs are read out by a 128-channel ASIC chip.To test its performance,a flood histogram is acquired with a ~(22)Na point source on top of the detector,and the energy resolution and the coincidence resolving time(CRT) value for each individual crystal are measured.The flood histogram shows excellent crystal separation in both layers.The average energy resolution at 511 keV is 14.0 and 12.7%at the bottom and top layers,respectively.The average CRT of a single crystal is 635 and 565 ps at the bottom and top layers,respectively.In conclusion,the compact DOI-TOF PET detector module is of excellent crystal identification capability,good energy resolution and reasonable time resolution and has promising application prospective in clinical TOF PET,PET/MRI,and brain PET systems.     

Study of PET Detector Performance with Varying SiPM Parameters and Readout Schemes

The spatial resolution performance characteristics of a monolithic crystal PET detector utilizing a sensor on the entrance surface (SES) design is reported. To facilitate this design, we propose to utilize a 2D silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array device. Using a multi-step simulation process, we investigated the performance of a monolithic crystal PET detector with different data readout schemes and different SiPM parameters. The detector simulated was a 49.2mm by 49.2mm by 15mm LYSO crystal readout by a 12 by 12 array of 3.8mm by 3.8mm SiPM elements. A statistics based positioning (SBP) method was used for event positioning and depth of interaction (DOI) decoding. Although individual channel readout provided better spatial resolution, row-column summing is proposed to reduce the number of readout channels. The SiPM parameters investigated include photon detection efficiency (PDE) and gain variability between different channels; PDE and gain instability; and dark count noise. Of the variables investigated, the PDE shift of -3.2±0.7% and gain shift of -4±0.9% between detector testing and detector calibration had the most obvious impact on the detector performance, since it not only degraded the spatial resolution but also led to bias in positioning, especially at the edges of the crystal. The dark count noise also had an impact on the intrinsic spatial resolution. No data normalization is required for PDE variability of up to 12% FWHM and gain variability of up to 15% FWHM between SiPM channels. Based upon these results, a row-column summing readout scheme without data normalization will be used. Further, we plan to cool our detectors below room temperature to reduce dark count noise and to actively control the temperature of the SiPMs to reduce drifts in PDE and gain.     

脑专用PET显像探测器自由结构符合与初步实验测试

采用脑PET进行人脑功能的研究对生物医学起到至关重要的作用,为了显著提高脑PET显像质量,增加探测效率、实时显示图像,本文设计一种脑专用PET显像大面积平板型探测系统,该探测系统由两个大面积探头组成,每个大面积探头包含3×3阵列的位置灵敏光电倍增管和多个紧密排布的硅酸钇镥闪烁晶体（Ce：LYSO)阵列。并利用1 μCi的²²Na点源对晶格大小为0.7 mm×0.7 mm等六种LYSO晶体阵列进行晶体性能测试,并选用两块晶格大小为1.5 mm×1.5 mm的LYSO晶体阵列进行一对一符合探测初步断层显像。结果显示,各种晶格大小的LYSO晶体阵列的位置区分轮廓的半高宽平均值在0.38~0.49 mm之间,平均能量分辨率（半高宽）在17.61%~30.40%之间;在对²²Na点源的初步图像断层扫描实验测试中,通过滤波反投影算法获得重建图像的空间分辨率为1.5 mm,验证了大面积平板型探测系统的可行性。     

基于GAGG:Ce晶体耦合SiPM的位置灵敏探测器的设计与评估

为满足当前γ相机对高分辨率、低成本、小型化探测器的需求，提出了采用硅光电倍增管（SiPM）耦合GAGG:Ce晶体阵列的方式代替传统的位置灵敏型光电倍增管（PSPMT）耦合晶体阵列的方式以构成新型γ相机探测器，并设计了均匀电荷分配电路（SCDC）和阻抗电桥电路作为探测器的读出电路，同时设计了前沿定时电路作为数据采集触发电路。实验结果表明：当温度为25 ℃、探测器供电电压为28.5 V时，该探测器在511 keV射线的激发下，散点图的峰谷比高达3.84，对511 keV和662 keV射线的平均能量分辨率分别为10.63%和9.71%，具有较好的分辨性能。     

基于多种探测算法结果分级融合的PET探测器晶体查找表建立算法

高分辨率是现代正电子发射型断层显像仪(Positron Emission Tomography,PET)设备最重要的技术指标之一,高分辨率PET探测器通常由海量闪烁晶体组成,这使得探测器校准时,晶体查找表建立的工作量大幅增加,从而对相关自动化算法的鲁棒性提出了更高的要求。目前,晶体阵列的矫正主要依赖固定放射源对探测器晶体阵列成像得到的光子二维位置直方图。高分辨率PET探测器的晶体阵列中晶体个数增多,尺寸变小,导致二维位置直方图信噪比下降,且非线性形变更加复杂,使已有的晶体查找表建立算法都无法得到理想的自动化效率。在测试了多种前沿的晶体查找表建立算法后发现,某些算法的结果之间有很强的互补性,可以通过将多种算法结果相融合的方法得到优于单一探测算法的结果。因此提出了一种基于多种探测算法结果分级融合的晶体查找表建立算法,在实现过程中选取了三种互补性较强的晶体探测方法,分级融合其结果,大幅度降低了二维位置直方图上晶体分割的出错概率,获得了鲁棒的结果。     

Use of Cramer-Rao Lower Bound for Performance Evaluation of Different Monolithic Crystal PET Detector Designs

We have previously reported on continuous miniature crystal element (cMiCE) PET detectors that provide depth of interaction (DOI) positioning capability. A key component of the design is the use of a statistics-based positioning (SBP) method for 3D event positioning. The Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) expresses limits on the estimate variances for a set of deterministic parameters. We examine the CRLB as a useful metric to evaluate the performance of our SBP algorithm and to quickly compare the best possible resolution when investigating new detector designs.In this work, the CRLB is first reported based upon experimental results from a cMiCE detector using a 50×50×15-mm(3) LYSO crystal readout by a 64-channel PMT (Hamamatsu H8500) on the exit surface of the crystal. The X/Y resolution is relatively close to the CRLB, while the DOI resolution is more than double the CRLB even after correcting for beam diameter and finite X (i.e., reference DOI position) resolution of the detector. The positioning performance of the cMiCE detector with the same design was also evaluated through simulation. Similar with the experimental results, the difference between the CRLB and measured spatial resolution is bigger in DOI direction than in X/Y direction.Another simulation study was conducted to investigate what causes the difference between the measured spatial resolution and the CRLB. The cMiCE detector with novel sensor-on-entrance-surface (SES) design was modeled as a 49.2×49.2×15-mm(3) LYSO crystal readout by a 12×12 array of 3.8×3.8-mm(2) silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) elements with 4.1-mm center-to-center spacing on the entrance surface of the crystal. The results show that there are two main causes to account for the differences between the spatial resolution and the CRLB. First, Compton scatter in the crystal degrades the spatial resolution. The DOI resolution is degraded more than the X/Y resolution since small angle scatter is preferred. Second, our maximum likelihood (ML) clustering algorithm also has limitations when developing 3D look up tables during detector calibration.     

γ-γ符合测量系统的新型前端读出电路研制

研制了一种新型前端读出电路，用于重离子治癌装置中符合测量原型系统的研究和测试。电路主要包括能量链、时间链和数据处理单元。能量链由截止频率7 MHz的抗混叠滤波器和模数转换器(ADC)组成，形成波形采样电路；时间链由高速比较器构成的定时甄别电路和时间数字转换器（TDC）组成；数据处理单元基于现场可编程门阵列(FPGA)设计实现。电路的线性度优于0.8%，噪声小于0.8 mV（RMS）。配合LaBr3单晶体条测试，能量分辨为4.5%（FWHM），在与LYSO晶体阵列配合测试时，位置映射散点图清晰。该前端读出电路性能优于CAMAC系统，具有较好的实际应用前景。     

An efficient method and system for simultaneously measuring the performance of vast scintillating materials

A method and system for automatically and simultaneously measuring the light output of multiple scintillators,or each scintillating unit of an array,were developed.Using a large area flat panel PSPMT H8500,the light output and energy resolution were obtained automatically by comparing with reference scintillators or array using an Energy Table,Look-up Table and energy spectrum data.The aim of developing an efficient performance evaluation of scintillators was achieved.Using the method,a scintillator performance testing system was set up and six LYSO crystals and a 3×3 LYSO array were measured.The results showed that the light output and energy resolution were accurately measured automatically.The deviation of repeat measurements for the same sample was not more than 2%,and the nonlinear deviation of the system was not more than 3%.The system is suitable for measuring the performance of crystals,especially where the mass measurement of crystals and arrays is required.