Quantification of the experimental limitations of a semiconductor PET camera

Abstract

An investigation of the applicability of semiconductors to small animal positron emission tomography has been conducted. The SmartPET collaboration has been responsible for successful experimental work demonstrating how these detectors could enhance small animal imaging devices. Highly encouraging experimental results present an improvement in image resolution to  2mm (full width at half maximum). In order to understand current experimental limitations and overcome these in future systems, we have carried out a Monte Carlo study to systematically quantify experimental image distortions in terms of the image resolution of a point source. With a full understanding of experimental sources of error, the full potential of the existing SmartPET system can be understood. This ground work will allow the imaging of more complex phantom geometries to assist a transition into preclinical trials. This work also permits an optimized system to be designed in future.