A: We study the possibility to use the Cherenkov light for the efficient detection of 511 keV photons with the goal to use it in TOF-PET. We designed and tested two detection modules consisting of PbF 2 crystals attached to Planacon MCP-PMT XP85012. Amplified PMT signals are digitized by the SAMPIC module with high readout rate, up to 10 5 events/s, and a negligible contribution to the time resolution, below 20 ps (FWHM). We developed a fast 2D scanning system to calibrate the PMT time response and studied in details the timing characteristics of the Planacon PMT.Using a radioactive 22 Na source we measured a detection efficiency of 24% for 511 keV photons in a 10 mm thick crystal and a coincidence resolving time of 280 ps. We analyzed the main factors limiting the time resolution of the large-surface detection module and proposed solutions to improve it, which will be tested in our future project.

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