Photon energy response, scatter characterisation and NEC rate performance for a unique BaF/sub 2/-TMAE PET system

A prototype BaF/sub 2/-TMAE detector for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has been built and fully characterised. A detailed investigation has been carried out into the physical processes involved in the detector's operation and performance. Experimental studies have shown that the chamber geometry used in this prototype is sensitive to single photoelectrons. A Monte Carlo simulation of a proposed dual headed PET system, based on detectors of the same technology, has been used to investigate the effect of the detector energy response on the scatter fraction of such a system. Using the simulation it was demonstrated that the contribution of the detector energy response to the overall scatter fraction, compared to multi-ring PET systems, will be <10% for brain imaging increasing to 20% for imaging in the torso, where the probability of multiple Compton interactions in the object increases. Finally using these scatter estimates the Noise Equivalent Count rates for the whole body system have been calculated and found to be inferior by a factor of <2 compared to GE QUEST and ECAT ART.