Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is an important medical imaging technique which provides an image of the distribution of a positron emitting radio pharmaceutical in the body on a metabolic level. At the present time, the performance of this important instrument is limited by the sensors used. Future advances in PET system technology can only come about by performing research to improve nuclear sensors. This effort will examine an approach to improve the resolution of a PET system by using two types of sensors. A photomultiplier tube (PMT) is the primary detector. In addition, one or more compact photodetectors are used to obtain better spatial resolution. The goal of Phase I of this program is to demonstrate the feasibility of using TlBrI photodetectors as the semiconductor photosensor to make this approach work. If successful, the use of TlBrI photodetectors in this dual-sensor approach promises to be the breakthrough needed for the construction of a new generation of high resolution PET imaging systems.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
2R44CA053082-02
Application #
3506833
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (SSS (BD))
Project Start
1992-04-01
Project End
1994-03-31
Budget Start
1992-04-01
Budget End
1993-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Radiation Monitoring Devices, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
073804411
City
Watertown
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02472