The objective of this proposal is to explore the development of a detector capable of detecting with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution optical photons in the visible wavelength as well as high energy photons, such as those emitted during positron annihilation. We further propose to use this new detector to construct a prototype imaging system that will be capable to non-invasively and repeatedly image small animal models in-vivo for the presence of either Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or optical signals. We will call this new device optical PET (OPET). Our interest is in ultimately using this technology as a tool that will enable translational research by bridging optical imaging at the cellular and small animal level, to microPET and on to human PET applications in the clinic. While we develop this technology for this translational research application, we expect that a multitude of other applications will manifest themselves from the photon counting nature of operation and high sensitivity of this device. We have previously developed the second generation of the high-resolution microPET scanners, and we plan to use a similar detector configuration for the detection of both optical and PET signals. This novel device therefore will use the same physical detector, and will completely eliminate the need for software image registration between PET and optical images. Specifically in this proposal, we plan to investigate different position sensitive and multi-channel imaging photodetectors, ranging from multi-channel photomultiplier tubes with different photocathode materials, to silicone based Avalanche Photo Diode (APD) detectors. We will also study methods of optimizing and maximizing the collection of light photons from scintillation events as well as optical signals. Finally we will build a prototype system based on a small number of detectors, and we will acquire the initial optical/PET studies. The developed imaging system will be a new tool dedicated to imaging small animals and will have high sensitivity and spatial resolution for both signals. We expect it to have optical signal sensitivity equivalent to state of the art optical imaging systems, PET absolute system sensitivity of state of the art commercial systems (on the order of 2%), and spatial resolution on the order of 2 mm. Furthermore, this imaging system will be of reduced cost, due to its field of view customized to the application of small animal imaging.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EB001458-02
Application #
6874408
Study Section
Diagnostic Imaging Study Section (DMG)
Program Officer
Mclaughlin, Alan Charles
Project Start
2004-03-17
Project End
2007-12-31
Budget Start
2005-01-01
Budget End
2005-12-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$335,878
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
092530369
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095
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Alexandrakis, George; Rannou, Fernando R; Chatziioannou, Arion F (2005) Tomographic bioluminescence imaging by use of a combined optical-PET (OPET) system: a computer simulation feasibility study. Phys Med Biol 50:4225-41

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