A large-size depth-of-interaction encoding BGO detector for low-dose PET imaging

We are currently developing a high-sensitivity total-body small animal PET scanner with the specific aim of enabling low-dose PET imaging studies, such as cell tracking using long-lived radionuclides. Bismuth germanate (BGO) scintillator with 20 mm thickness is selected to take advantage of its low intrinsic radiation, high stopping power, and low cost. A large size, 51.2 × 51.2 mm², dual-ended readout detector module, which incorporates two 16 × 16 SiPM arrays with a 3.2 mm pitch coupled to both ends of a 32 × 32 BGO array with a 1.6 mm pitch is being developed with a multiplexed readout. This detector offers good performance for detecting gamma rays, including position, energy, and depth-of-interaction. The detector is being optimized and is expected to enable a high-sensitivity PET scanner.