Initial Results of Simultaneous PET/MRI Experiments with an MRI-Compatible Silicon Photomultiplier PET Scanner

• DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.111.097501
• Publication Date: 2012-03-14T03:22:46Z
• Authors: Hyun Suk Yoon; Guen Bae Ko; Sun Il Kwon; Chan Mi Lee; Mikiko Ito; In Chan Song; Dong Soo Lee; Seong Jong Hong; Jae Sung Lee
• Keywords: Silicon Photomultiplier

The most investigated semiconductor photosensor for MRI-compatible PET detectors is the avalanche photodiode (APD). However, silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), also called Geiger-mode APD, gaining attention in development of next generation PET/MRI systems because SiPM has much better performance than APD. We have developed an system based on multichannel arrays to allow simultaneous PET/MRI. <b>Methods:</b> scanner consists 12 detector modules with a ring diameter 13.6 cm and axial extent 3.2 cm. In each module, 4 (with × channels arranged 2 array yield 8 channels) were coupled 20 18 Lu_1.9Gd_0.1SiO₅:Ce crystals (each crystal 1.5 7 mm) mounted charge division network multiplexing 64 signals into position signals. Each module was enclosed shielding box reduce interference between MRI scanners, temperature inside monitored correction temperature-dependent gain variation SiPM. signal routed outside room processed field programmable gate array–based data acquisition system. compatibility tests acquisitions performed 3-T clinical 4-cm loop receiver coils that built scanner. Interference imaging investigated, phantom mouse experiments performed. <b>Results:</b> No radiofrequency or degradation energy spectrum flood map shown during quality scans acquired without operating showed only slight degradation. results confirmed feasibility this <b>Conclusion:</b> Simultaneous possible SiPM-based scanner, no images scans.