Medical applications of silicon photomultipliers

Bisogni, Maria Giuseppina; Guerra, Alberto Del; Belcari, Nicola

doi:10.1016/j.nima.2018.10.175

Cited by 58 publications

(56 citation statements)

References 112 publications

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“…SiPMs have been used for years in X-ray and gamma-ray detection, combined with scintillator crystals (see for example in Figure 1), as a replacement of photomultiplier tubes, in medical applications [2][3][4], like in positron emission tomography (PET), where their good time resolution is important for time-of-flight (TOF) information, and in high-energy nuclear physics [5,6]. This transition was mainly driven by the insensitivity of SiPMs to magnetic field.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Silicon Photomultipliers: Technology Optimizations for Ultraviolet, Visible and Near-Infrared Range

et al. 2019

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Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are single-photon sensitive solid-state detectors that are becoming popular for several applications, thanks to massive performance improvements over the last years. Starting as a replacement for the photomultiplier tube (PMT), they are now used in medical applications, big high-energy physics experiments, nuclear physics experiments, spectroscopy, biology and light detection and ranging (LIDAR) applications. Due to different requirements in terms of detection efficiency, noise, etc., several optimizations have been introduced by the manufacturers; for example, spectral sensitivity has been optimized for visible light, near ultraviolet, vacuum ultraviolet, and near infrared light. Each one of them require specific processes and structural optimization. We present in this paper recent improvements in SiPM performance, owing to a higher cell fill-factor, lower noise, improved silicon materials, and deep trench isolation. We describe issues related to the characterization of analog SiPM, particularly due to the different sources of correlated noise, which have to be distinguished from each other and from the primary pulses. We also describe particular analyses and optimizations conducted for specific applications like the readout of liquid noble gas scintillators, requiring these detectors to operate at cryogenic temperatures.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Silicon Photomultipliers: Technology Optimizations for Ultraviolet, Visible and Near-Infrared Range

et al. 2019

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“…It contains 38 blocks per ring for six rings along the axial FOV. Each block is subdivided into 4×2 mini-blocks (four mini-blocks in radial position for two mini blocks in the axial position), that each contain an array of 5×5 LSO crystals of 3.2×3.2×20 mm 3 . The mini block is coupled to an array of 16×16 mm 2 SiPMs.…”

Section: Biograph Vision 450 Pet/ctmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Data were reconstructed using a Fourier rebinning combined with a ltered back projection without attenuation, scatter corrections, and no post-ltering. The voxel size was 0.83×0.83×0.83 mm 3 (matrix size: 880×880×237).…”

Section: Spatial Resolutionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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From a PMT-based to a SiPM-based PET system: a study to define matched acquisition/reconstruction parameters and NEMA performance of the Biograph Vision 450

Carlier

Ferrer

Conti

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Purpose To derive the NEMA performance (NEMA) of the recently released Biograph Vision 450 PET/CT (Vision) and to propose an approach based on noise measurement to adapt present clinical acquisition and reconstruction parameters to Vision. Methods All measurements were conducted on Vision and Biograph mCT with TrueV (mCT). A full NEMA-based performance was derived for Vision only. The adaptation of acquisition and reconstruction parameters from mCT to Vision was done using the NEMA image quality phantom. The noise level reached using mCT was set as the reference value for six different numbers of net true coincidences. The noise level computed using Vision was matched to the reference noise level (within 0.01%) using a different reconstruction set-up to determine the potential reduction of counts numbers for the same noise level. Results Vision sensitivity was 9.1 kcps/MBq for a timing resolution of 213 ps at 5.3 kBq/mL. The NEMA-based CR for the 10mm sphere was better than 75% regardless the reconstruction set-up studied. The mCT reference noise properties could be achieved using Vision with a scan time reduction (STR) of 1.34 with four iterations and a 440×440 matrix size (or STR=1.89 with a 220×220 matrix size) together with a 3D CR improvement of 53% for the 10mm sphere (24% using 220×220). Conclusion The Vision exhibited improved NEMA performances compared to mCT. Using the proposed approach, the time acquisition could be divided by almost two, while keeping the same noise properties as that of mCT with a marked improvement of contrast recovery.

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“…Whilst these systems' smaller PET bore diameters of approximately 10 to 30 cm result in increased sensitivity across their FoV, it also increases the impact of "parallax error" on system spatial resolution that arise from Depth-of-Interaction (DoI) effects within clinical PET radiation detectors [2], [5], [6]. To suppress these effects, and reach the target spatial resolutions of 1 mm, compact MR compatible photosensors coupled to crystal arrays with adequate x-y and DoI resolution are required without compromising energy resolution, time resolution and maximum count rate [7], [8]. At present three primary designs of single sided readout scintillator detectors have been developed to solve this issue: mutli-layered pixelated arrays [9]- [14], monolithic [15]- [17], and one/two-axis light sharing patterned reflector foil crystal arrays [18]- [22].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A High Count-Rate and Depth-of-Interaction Resolving Single-Layered One-Side Readout Pixelated Scintillator Crystal Array for PET Applications

Brown

Brünner

Schaart

2020

IEEE Trans. Radiat. Plasma Med. Sci.

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Organ-specific, targeted Field-of-View (FoV) Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) inserts are viable solutions for a number of imaging tasks where whole-body PET/MRI systems lack the necessary sensitivity and resolution. To meet the required PET detector performance of these systems, high count-rates and effective spatial resolutions on the order of a few mm, a novel two-axis patterned reflector foil pixelated scintillator crystal array design is developed and its proof-of-concept illustrated in-silico with the Monte Carlo radiation transport modelling toolkit Geant4. It is shown that the crystal surface roughness and phased open reflector cross-section patterns could be optimised to maximise either the PET radiation detector's effective spatial resolution, or count rate before event pile up. In addition, it was illustrated that these two parameters had minimal impact on the energy and time resolution of the proposed PET radiation detector design. Finally, it is shown that a PET radiation detector with balance performance could be constructed using ground crystals and phased open reflector cross-section pattern corresponding to the middle of the tested range.

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Medical applications of silicon photomultipliers

Cited by 58 publications

References 112 publications

Silicon Photomultipliers: Technology Optimizations for Ultraviolet, Visible and Near-Infrared Range

Silicon Photomultipliers: Technology Optimizations for Ultraviolet, Visible and Near-Infrared Range

From a PMT-based to a SiPM-based PET system: a study to define matched acquisition/reconstruction parameters and NEMA performance of the Biograph Vision 450

A High Count-Rate and Depth-of-Interaction Resolving Single-Layered One-Side Readout Pixelated Scintillator Crystal Array for PET Applications

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