Performance evaluation of SiPM detectors for PET imaging in the presence of magnetic fields

Abstract

Abstract-The multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC) or silicon photo-multiplier (SiPM), recently introduced as a solid-state photodetector, consists of an array of Geiger-mode photodiodes (microcells). It is a promising device for PET thanks to its potential for high photon detection efficiency (PDE) and immunity to high magnetic fields. It is also very easy to use, with simple electronic read-out, high gain and small size. In this work we evaluate the performance of three 1 x 1 mm 2 and one 6 x 6 mm 2 (2 x 2 array) SiPMs offered by Hamamatsu for their use in PET. We examine the dependence of the energy resolution and the gain of these devices on the thermal and reverse bias when coupled to LYSO scintillator crystals. We find that the 400 and 1600 microcells models and the 2 x 2 array are suitable for small size crystals, like those employed in high resolution small animal scanners. The good performance of these devices up to 7 Tesla has also been confirmed.

A novel, SiPM-array-based, monolithic scintillator detector for PET

“…They achieved a single detector timing resolution of 950 ps FWHM and ∼22% FWHM energy resolution. España et al (2008) nicely resolved a 4 × 4 array of 1.5 mm × 1.5 mm × 12 mm LYSO:Ce 3+ pixels using a 6 mm × 6 mm active area, monolithic 2 × 2 SiPM array. They obtained energy resolutions between 11% and 22% FWHM for single crystals at different locations on the array, but provided no information on timing resolution yet.…”

“…In fact, CRTs of 237 ps full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) and 240 ps FWHM have recently been demonstrated using 3 mm × 3 mm SiPMs coupled to small crystals of, respectively, LaBr 3 :Ce 3+ (Schaart et al 2008a) and LYSO:Ce 3+ (Kim et al 2008). As of very recently, SiPMs can be manufactured into compact arrays that can be used as position-sensitive light sensors in PET detectors (España et al 2008, Kolb et al 2008, Llosá et al 2008, Schaart et al 2008b. The aim of this paper is to present an initial characterization of the first SiPM-arraybased PET detector following the monolithic scintillator concept explored using APD arrays by Maas et al (2006Maas et al ( , 2009.…”

Performance evaluation of SiPM photodetectors for PET imaging in the presence of magnetic fields

“…We have studied the performance of these devices under static magnetic fields of up to 7 T at a superconducting magnet (Bruker Corporation, Germany). The SiPM array has also been tested under simultaneous MR imaging acquisitions which made use of heavy duty magnetic field gradients and radiofrequency emissions [9].…”

Performance Evaluation of SiPM Photosensors in the Presence of Magnetic Fields

“…The variation of energy resolution and relative gain of individual SiPM with the temperature and applied voltage were measured [2], (figure 1). The SiPM array showed energy resolution ranging from 12% to 22% at 511 keV and 5% to 6% at 1275 keV.…”