H. Hillemanns

Time based readout of a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) for time of flight positron emission tomography (TOF-PET)

Time of flight (TOF) measurements in positron emission tomography (PET) are very challenging in terms of timing performance, and should achieve ideally less than 100ps FWHM precision. We present a time-based differential technique to read out SiPMs that has less than 25ps rms electronic jitter. The novel readout is a fast front end circuit (NINO) based on a first stage differential current mode amplifier with 20Ω input resistance. Therefore the amplifier inputs are connected differentially to the SiPMs anode and cathode ports. The leading edge of the output signal provides the time information, while the trailing edge provides the energy information. Based on a Monte Carlo photon-generation model, SPICE simulations were run with a 3×3mm2 SiPM-model, read out with a differential current amplifier. The results of these simulations are presented here and compared with experimental data obtained with a 3×3×15mm3 LSO crystal coupled to a SiPM. The measured time coincidence precision is interpreted by the combined Monte Carlo/SPICE simulation, as well as by Poisson statistics.

A Novel Time-Based Readout Scheme for a Combined PET-CT Detector Using APDs

This paper summarizes CERN R&D work done in the framework of the European Commissions FP6 BioCare Project. The objective was to develop a novel time-based signal processing technique to read out LSO-APD photodetectors for medical imaging. An important aspect was to employ the technique in a combined scenario for both computer tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) with effectively no tradeoffs in efficiency and resolution compared to traditional single mode machines. This made the use of low noise and yet very high-speed monolithic front-end electronics essential so as to assure the required timing characteristics together with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Using APDs for photon detection, two chips, traditionally employed for particle physics, could be identified to meet the above criteria. Although both were not optimized for their intended new medical application, excellent performance in conjunction with LSO-APD sensors could be derived. Whereas a measured energy resolution of 16% (FWHM) at the 511 keV photo peak competes favorably with that of classical PMTs, the coincidence time resolution of 1.6 ns FWHM with dual APD readout is typically lower. This is attributed to the stochastic photon production mechanism in LSO and the photon conversion characteristic of the photo diode, as well as to the fluctuations in photon conversion, albeit the APDs superior quantum efficiency. Also in terms of CT counting speed, the chosen readout principle is limited by the intrinsic light decay in LSO (40 ns) for each impinging X-ray.

A Time-Based Front End Readout System for PET & CT

In the framework of the European FP6s BioCare project, we develop a novel, time-based, photo-detector readout technique to increase sensitivity and timing precision for molecular imaging in PET and CT. The project aims to employ Avalanche Photo Diode (APD) arrays with state of the art, high speed, front end amplifiers and discrimination circuits developed for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) physics program at CERN, suitable to detect and process photons in a combined one-unit PET/CT detection head. In the so-called time-based approach our efforts focus on the systems timing performance with sub-nanosecond time-jitter and -walk, and yet also provide information on photon energy without resorting to analog to digital conversion. The bandwidth of the electronic circuitry is compatible with the scintillators intrinsic light response (e.g. les40ns in LSO) and hence allows high rate CT operation in single-photon counting mode. Based on commercial LSO crystals and Hamamatsu S8550 APD arrays, we show the system performance in terms of timing- and energy resolution as well as its rate behavior (SPICE, simulating a high intensity X-ray beam). If proven viable, this technique may lead to the construction of a compact, radiation tolerant, and cost effective PET/CT detection head in one unit.

A Systematic Study to Optimize SiPM Photo-Detectors for Highest Time Resolution in PET

We report on a systematic study of time resolution made with three different commercial silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) (Hamamatsu MPPC S10931-025P, S10931-050P, and S10931-100P) and two LSO scintillating crystals. This study aimed to determine the optimum detector conditions for highest time resolution in a prospective time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF-PET) system. Measurements were based on the time over threshold method in a coincidence setup using the ultrafast amplifier-discriminator NINO and a fast oscilloscope. Our tests with the three SiPMs of the same area but of different SPAD sizes and fill factors led to best results with the Hamamatsu type of 50×50×μm2 single-pixel size. For this type of SiPM and under realistic geometrical PET scanner conditions, i.e., with 2×2×10×mm3 LSO crystals, a coincidence time resolution of 220 ±4 ps FWHM could be achieved. The results are interpreted in terms of SiPM photon detection efficiency (PDE), dark noise, and photon yield.

Factors influencing time resolution of scintillators and ways to improve them

The renewal of interest in Time of Flight Positron Emission Tomography (TOF-PET), as well as the necessity to precisely tag events in high energy physics (HEP) experiments at future colliders are pushing for an optimization of all factors affecting the time resolution of the whole acquisition chain comprising the crystal, the photo detector, and the electronics. The time resolution of a scintillator-based detection system is determined by the rate of photoelectrons at the detection threshold, which depends on the time distribution of photons being converted in the photo detector. The possibility to achieve time resolution of about 100ps FWHM requires an optimization of the light production in the scintillator, the light transport and its transfer from the scintillator to the photo detector. In order to maximize the light yield, and in particular the density of photons in the first nanosecond, while minimizing the rise time and decay time, particular attention must be paid to the energy transfer mechanisms to the activator as well as to the energy transition type at the activator ion. Alternatively other light emission mechanisms can be considered. We will show that particularly Cerenkov emission can be used for this purpose. Special emphasis was put on the light transport within the crystal and at its interface with the photo detector. Since light is produced isotropically in the scintillator the detector geometry must be optimized to decrease the optical path-length to the photo detector. Moreover light bouncing within the scintillator, affecting about 70% of the photons generated in currently used crystals, must be reduced as much as possible. We also investigate photonics crystals that are specifically designed to favor specific light propagation modes at the limit of total reflection inside and outside of the crystal, and how they might increase the light transfer efficiency to the photo detector and hence improve time resolution. Examples for the production and deposition of photonics crystals as layers on LYSO and LuYAP crystals are shown here, as well as first results on an improved light extraction due to this method.

Progress on photonic crystals

The renewal of interest for Time of Flight Positron Emission Tomography (TOF PET) has highlighted the need for increasing the light output of scintillating crystals and in particular for improving the light extraction from materials with a high index of refraction. One possible solution to overcome the problem of total internal reflection and light losses resulting from multiple bouncing within the crystal is to improve the light extraction efficiency at the crystal/photodetector interface by means of photonic crystals, i.e. media with a periodic modulation of the dielectric constant at the wavelength scale. After a short reminder of the underlying principles this contribution proposes to present the very encouraging results we have recently obtained on LYSO pixels and the perspectives on other crystals such as BGO, LuYAP and LuAG. These results confirm the impressive predictions from our previously published Monte Carlo simulations. A detailed description of the sample preparation procedure is given as well as the methodology and different characterization steps to control the process and evaluate the results. Pictures and quantitative results are shown, which confirm that significant light output gain factors (50% and more) can be obtained with this approach. Finally an interesting feature of photonic crystals to collimate light in some privileged directions is highlighted.

Development of a New Photo‐detector Readout Technique for PET and CT

In the framework of the European FP6s BioCare project, we develop a novel photo‐detector readout technique to increase sensitivity and timing precision for molecular imaging in PET and CT. Within the Projects work packages, the CERN‐BioCare group focuses on the development of a PET detection head suitable to process data from both PET and CT operation in one unit. The detector module consists of a LSO matrix coupled to an APD array. The signal is processed by fast and low noise readout electronics recently developed for experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. The functioning of this time based system is presented as well as its performances in terms of energy resolution.