Conceptual design of a whole body PET machine

A whole-body positron-emission tomography (PET) machine based on a novel type of large-area sodium iodide (NaI) detector is being designed. Monte Carlo computer simulations have been used to compare some of the performance parameters of a tomograph based on the detectors to similar parameters of conventional small-crystal machines. Three different prototypes have been constructed, and many tests have been performed, including measurements of transverse spatial resolution, depth-of-interaction resolution, energy resolution, time resolution, and high-counting-rate capabilities. The simulation and measurement results are presented and discussed.<
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