Volume 10, Issue 1

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan does not measure an image directly. Instead, a PET scan measures a sinogram at the boundary of the field-of-view that consists of measurements of the sums of all the counts along the lines connecting the two detectors. Because there is a multitude of detectors built in a typical PET structure, there are many possible detector pairs that pertain to the measurement. The problem is how to turn this measurement into an image (this is called imaging). Significant improvement in PET image quality was achieved with the introduction of iterative reconstruction techniques. This was realized approximately 20 years ago (with the advent of new powerful computing processors). However, three-dimensional imaging still remains a challenge. The purpose of the image reconstruction algorithm is to process this imperfect count data for a large number (many millions) of lines of response and millions of detected photons to produce an image showing the distribution of the labeled molecules in space.

Using a theory of list-mode maximum likelihood expectation-maximization (MLEM) algorithm, in this contribution, we present a derivation of the system response kernel for a novel positron emission tomography (PET) detector based on plastic scintillators.

Photomultipliers are commonly used in commercial PET scanner as devices that convert light produced in scintillator by gamma quanta from positron-electron annihilation into electrical signal. For proper analysis of obtained electrical signal, a photomultiplier gain curve must be known, since gain can be significantly different even between photomultipliers of the same model. In this article, we describe single photoelectron method used for photomultiplier calibration applied for J-PET scanner, a novel PET detector being developed at Jagiellonian University. A description of calibration method, an example of calibration curve, and a gain of few Hamamatsu R4998 photomultipliers are presented.

All of the present methods for calibration and monitoring of time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF-PET) scanner detectors utilize radioactive isotopes, such as 22 Na or 68 Ge, which are placed or rotate inside the scanner. In this article, we describe a novel method based on the cosmic rays application to the PET calibration and monitoring methods. The concept allows to overcome many of the drawbacks of the present methods and it is well suited for newly developed TOF-PET scanners with a large longitudinal field of view. The method enables also the monitoring of the quality of the scintillator materials and in general allows for the continuous quality assurance of the PET detector performance.

This paper describes three methods regarding the production of plastic scintillators. One method appears to be suitable for the manufacturing of plastic scintillators, revealing properties which fulfill the requirements of novel positron emission tomography scanners based on plastic scintillators. The key parameters of the manufacturing process are determined and discussed.

Novel time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF-PET) scanner solutions demand, apart from the state-of-the-art detectors, software for fast processing of the gathered data, monitoring of the whole scanner, and reconstruction of the PET image. In this article, we present an analysis framework for the novel STRIP-PET scanner developed by the J-PET collaboration in the Institute of Physics of the Jagiellonian University. This software is based on the ROOT package used in many particle physics experiments.

This article is focused on data acquisition system (DAQ) designed especially to be used in positron emission tomography (PET) or single-photon emission computed tomography. The system allows for continuous registration of analog signals during measurement. It has been designed to optimize registration and processing of the information carried by signals from the detector system in PET scanner. The processing does not require any rejection of data with a trigger system. The proposed system possesses also an ability to implement various data analysis algorithms that can be performed in real time during data collection.

This article presents an application of a novel technique for precise measurements of time and charge based solely on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) device for positron emission tomography (PET). The described approach simplifies electronic circuits, reduces the power consumption, lowers costs, merges front-end electronics with digital electronics, and also makes more compact final design. Furthermore, it allows to measure time when analog signals cross a reference voltage at different threshold levels with a very high precision of ~15 ps (rms) and thus enables sampling of signals in a voltage domain.

Positron emission tomography (PET), particularly dual-modality imaging systems (PET/CT or PET/MRI), has evolved from being a research tool into a valuable clinical modality, particularly in the field of oncology. Currently, most of the PET/CT examinations are done with FDG when assessing glucose metabolism in tumors. FDG PET or PET/CT has been proven to be a valuable method in staging, restaging, therapy response assessment, early recurrence detection, and in unknown primary focus localization. However, PET/CT has its limitations, leading to both false-positive and false-negative results. Proper design and/or choice of an alternative tracer may overcome those problems as well as give better insight into tumor biology and result in more thorough assessment and effective therapeutic approach in patients with cancer.