Clear-PEM: Monte Carlo performance and image reconstruction studies

The Clear-PEM prototype under development aims to improve early stage breast cancer diagnostics. The proposed device is based on cerium doped lutetium crystal matrices developed by the Crystal Clear Collaboration, as well as on modern data acquisition techniques. A series of Monte Carlo studies were performed to evaluate detection sensitivity, background rate and intrinsic spatial resolution in order to optimize the final detector concept. A description of the developed GEANT4 based simulation framework and PEM image reconstruction software is also presented in this paper. First simulation results indicates that Clear-PEM design significantly increases detection sensitivity in comparison with conventional PET cameras for breast cancer diagnostics. Count-rate simulation results are within operation limits for the data acquisition system, able to read 1 MHz event rate, allowing to take full profit of the large detector acceptance.