Two fast data acquisition and processing systems for a compact gamma-camera

A compact gamma-camera has been constructed using a 3-mm-thick single NaI(Tl) crystal viewed by a 5-in-diameter Hamamatsu position-sensitive photomultiplier tube (R3292). In order to use this system in applications where the counting rate is high, such as in dynamic scintigraphy and industrial nondestructive testing, a fast data acquisition and processing system is very important. The design and operation of two fast data collection and processing systems capable of handling events within 30 mu s are presented. One of the systems is based on the use of a commercial Vector 32C/8500 processor board, while the other makes use of multiple T805 transputers. A comparison of the two systems is presented.<>