A region segmentation based algorithm for building a crystal position lookup table in a scintillation detector

In a scintillation detector, scintillation crystals are typically made into a 2-dimensional modular array.The location of incident gamma-ray needs be calibrated due to spatial response nonlinearity. Generally, position histograms—the characteristic flood response of scintillation detectors—are used for position calibration. In this paper, a position calibration method based on a crystal position lookup table which maps the inaccurate location calculated by Anger logic to the exact hitting crystal position has been proposed. Firstly, the position histogram is preprocessed, such as noise reduction and image enhancement. Then the processed position histogram is segmented into disconnected regions, and crystal marking points are labeled by finding the centroids of regions. Finally, crystal boundaries are determined and the crystal position lookup table is generated. The scheme is evaluated by the whole-body positron emission tomography(PET) scanner and breast dedicated single photon emission computed tomography scanner developed by the Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The results demonstrate that the algorithm is accurate, efficient, robust and applicable to any configurations of scintillation detector.     

基于GEANT4的CsI(Tl)闪烁体探测器的Monte Carlo模拟

对闪烁光在晶体内的传输以及光电子倍增过程进行了建模,基于GEANT4软件包对CsI(T1)闪烁体探测器进行了蒙特卡罗模拟, 得到了不同形状、尺寸和包装的CsI(Tl)晶体测量γ射线的能谱。对比模拟和测试结果,两者得到了很好的符合,从而验证了模拟参数的合理性和可靠性。该模拟程序的建立为闪烁体探测器的设计提供了更精确的开发工具。 With the modeling of the light transportation in crystal and electron multiplication in the PMT, a Monte Carlo simulation of CsI(Tl) scintillator detector has been implemented with Geant4 toolkit. The energy spectra simulated with different crystal shape, size and wrappings are obtained. And the reliability of the simulation parameters is confirmed by comparing with the measurements. The simulation code can be used as an reliable tool for the design of scintillator detectors.     

高分辨率及高灵敏度小动物PET研究进展

作为一种高灵敏度且具有定量测量能力的功能分子影像技术,小动物PET越来越广泛地用于各种生物医学研究,例如疾病动物模型研究、新药物研发和新治疗方法评估等。首先回顾小动物PET成像系统的发展历史、效率和空间分辨率等性能的改进和产业化;其次,讨论了影响PET空间分辨率和效率的各种因素,包括晶体大小、探测器几何、正电子射程、光子非共线效应、图像重建算法和阻碍PET系统同时达到高空间分辨率和高效率的相互作用深度不确定效应;最后,介绍了小动物PET成像系统在以下几个方面的取得的最新进展:（1）高密度、小的光衰减常数和高光产额的闪烁晶体;（2）体积小、增益大、时间性能好、工作电压低和磁兼容的新型硅光电倍增管光探测器;（3）各种深度测量PET探测器,详细介绍了一个可达到分辨0.43 mm×0.43 mm×20 mm晶格和达到2.4 mm深度分辨率的双端读出探测器;（4）使用深度测量探测器的小动物PET成像系统,详细介绍了一个使用高分辨率双端读出探测器,全视野达到0.55 mm平均位置分辨率的小动物PET原型系统;（5）磁兼容插件式小动物PET成像系统和PET/MRI同时成像的优点;（6）小动物PET图像重建和数据校正的特点、传统的滤波反投影算法和新的迭代算法的优缺点和PET图像重建算法未来的发展方向。As the most sensitive and quantitative molecular imaging technique,small animal positron emission tomography (PET) has become a widely used tool in biomedical research such as in animal model of human disease,development of new drugs and the evaluation of new therapeutics.In this paper,first the history,the efforts to improve the spatial resolution and sensitivity as well as the commercialization process of small animal PET scanner are reviewed.Then the factors that affect the spatial resolution and sensitivity of PET scanner such as crystal size,detector geometry,positron range,photon noncollinearity and imaging reconstruction are discussed in detail.The depth of interaction effect which hinders the simultaneous achievement of PET spatial resolution and sensitivity are also discussed.Finally the recent progress made in the following areas of small animal PET instrumentation are introduced:(1) high density,short light decay constant and bright scintillator,(2) compact,high gain,good timing resolution,low bias voltage and MRI compatible silicon photomultiplier,(3) depth encoding detectors by using different methods,a detector using dual-ended readout,identifying 0.43 mm×0.43 mm×20 mm crystals and achieving a 2.4 mm depth of interaction resolution was introduced in detail,(4) small animal PET scanners using depth encoding detectors,a prototype scanner using high resolution dualended readout detectors and achieving an average of 0.55 mm spatial resolution in the whole field of view was introduced in detail.(5) MRI compatible small animal PET inserts and the advantage of simultaneous PET/MRI imaging,(6) image reconstruction and data correction of small animal PET,the filter back projection and iterative reconstruction algorithms are compared and a few key directions of PET image reconstruction will be presented.     

用于辐射复合与双电子复合实验的低能离子闪烁探测器

为了在CSRm的电子冷却器上进行辐射复合以及双电子复合实验, 需要探测能量小于4 MeV/u的离子, 因此设计了新的置于超高真空环境的CsI(Tl)闪烁探测器, 探测器采用的光电倍增管为R7525(Hamamatsu）。 介绍了新闪烁探测器的结构, 并对其进行了性能测试。 测试结果表明, 该探测器对高、 低能离子均有良好的响应, 探测器的信号十分明显。 探测器的最高计数率可以达到106 ions/s, 并且探测器附近的真空度可达10-10 Pa量级, 能够满足辐射复合与双电子复合实验以及储存环对真空的要求, 为今后在CSRm上进行复合实验打下了良好的基础。 A new CsI(Tl) scintillation detector readout with R7525 PMT(Hamamatsu）is designed to detect low energy (<4 MeV/u) ions in radiative recombination and dielectronic recombination experiments at the main cooler storage ring in Lanzhou. The structure of the scintillator detector is described in this paper. The detector is tested with α source and ion beams, respectively. The signals from background, 200 MeV/u C6+ and alpha radioactive source are recorded and analyzed. The results show that the detector has good response to high and low energy ions. The maximum counting rate of the detector can reach 106 ions/s and the vacuum level near the detector can reach 10-10 Pa, both are good for recombination experiments. The installation of the new detector to CSRm is of great help for future radiative recombination and dielectronic recombination experiments.     

Comparison of two position sensitive gamma-ray detectors based on continuous YAP and pixellated NaI(TI) for nuclear medical imaging applications

Dedicated position sensitive gamma-ray detectors based on position sensitive photomultiplier tubes (PSPMTs) coupled to scintillation crystals, have been used for the construction of compact gamma-ray imaging systems, suitable for nuclear medical imaging applications such as small animal imaging and single organ imaging and scintimammography. In this work, the performance of two gamma-ray detectors：a continuous YAP scintillation crystal coupled to a Hamamastu R2486 PSPMT and a pixellated NaI(TI) scintillation array crystal coupled to the same PSPMT, is compared. The results show that the gamma-ray detector based on a pixellated NaI(TI) scintillation array crystal is a promising candidate for nuclear medical imaging applications, since their performance in terms of position linearity, spatial resolution and effective field of view (FOV) is superior than that of the gamma-ray detector based on a continuous YAP scintillation crystal. However, a better photodetector (Hamamatau H8500 Flat Panel PMT, for example) coupled to the continuous crystal is also likely a good selection for nuclear medicine imaging applications.     

兰州充气谱仪的焦平面探测系统

在兰州充气谱仪上,设计安装了一套新的焦平面探测系统,该系统包括飞行时间(TOF) 探测器、盒型硅(Si-box) 探测器阵列和反符合(Veto) 探测器3 部分。Si-box 探测器阵列是由3 块位置灵敏硅探测器(PSSD) 和8 块周边硅探测器(SSD) 构成,它对注入核的 衰变的探测效率达到80% 左右。Si-box 探测器阵列与TOF 探测器关联可以有效区分注入信号和 衰变信号。Veto 探测器与Si-box 探测器阵列和TOF 探测器关联可以反符合掉高能轻粒子对注入信号和 衰变信号的干扰。简要介绍了PSSD 的能量和位置刻度方法。这套探测器系统已经应用于40Ca+175Lu 和40Ca+169Tm 的实验。实验结果表明,该探测器系统具备很好的本底抑制能力,能够给出干净的a衰变能谱,结合能量-时间-位置关联测量方法可以实现对单原子的探测和鉴别,总体上达到了预期的设计要求。A new designed focal plane detection system was mounted at the gas-filled recoil separator at Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, which consisted of a time-of-flight (TOF) detector, a silicon-box (Sibox) detector array and a silicon veto detector. Three position sensitive silicon detectors (PSSD) were surrounded by eight side silicon detectors (SSD) without position sensitive, forming a box of the detector open from the front side. The detection efficiency for -decays of implanted nuclei was about 80%. The anticoincidence condition for the signals from the TOF detector and Si-box detector array was used to distinguish between the pulses originating from the implanted nuclei and their -decays. The veto detector information was used to discriminate events due to high-energy charged particles．External energy calibration and position calibration of PSSD are described concisely in this work. This systemhas been used in experiments of 40Ca+175Lu and 40Ca+169Tm. Clean a-decay spectra obtained in these reactions indicated the detection system has a good performance in background suppression. Evaporation residues can be identified by the energy-time-position correlation method. On the whole, the new designed focal plane detection system has achieved thedesign requirements.     

高纯锗探测器的广泛应用和自主研制进展

以目前国际上极为活跃开展的暗物质探测、无中微子双 衰变研究为例,评述了高纯锗探测器的重要性及其广泛的应用前景。介绍了己开展的高纯锗单晶、探测器制备的关键技术研究进展:合作单位已研制出了用于高纯锗单晶材料制备的区熔炉、单晶炉;并制备出直径为20  50 cm、纯度为12N(< 41011  atoms/cm3)、位错< 5000 atoms/cm2 的锗单晶;掌握了高纯锗探测器(平面型、同轴型)制备的关键技术,用进口高纯锗单晶材料制备出的同轴型高纯锗探测器对射线的能量分辨率及探测效率均达到进口产品指标,使用自制的12N 高纯锗单晶材料己制备出平面型高纯锗探测器。呼吁加速高纯锗研制的自主创新步伐,尽早实现其国产化目标。The article reviews importance and wide applications of HPGe detector, especially the application on the dark matter search experiment and double beta decay experiment. The research progress on the Highpurity germanium single crystal and HPGe detector in China has been introduced. The cooperation partner developed new type zone-refining furnace and single crystal furnace. The ultra-purity germanium single crystal with 20~50 cm, purity up to 12N(net impurity concentration is less than 41011 atoms/cm3), and dislocation less than 5 000 /cm3 was prepared. The key technologies for preparing planar and coaxial HPGe detector were mastered. The coaxial detector, which has been made of imported ultra-purity germanium single crystal has excellent energy resolution and efficiency as the imported commercial detector. The planar detector using selfmade germanium single crystal was also successfully manufactured. The research group appeals for speeding up the pace of independent innovation on the high-purity germanium, and achieving the high-purity germanium localization as soon as possible.     

γ射线和PET用晶体单元相互作用特性的研究

γ射线与晶体单元的相互作用特性对于PET探测器的研制有着重要的参考意义. 通过实验测得了不同能量的γ射线在BGO, CsI, NaI 3种闪烁晶体中的探测效率、 能量分辨率等相互作用特性参数, 并与蒙特卡洛模拟结果进行了比较. 结果给出了最适合PET探测器的晶体单元. It’s important for development of PET detector that the interaction effect of γ rays and scintillator units are studied. The detection efficiencies and energy resolutions of γ rays for BGO, CsI and NaI crystal detector units are measured. Geant4 Monte Carlo simulations are compared with the experimental results. The results of the best detection units for PET detector are presented.     

Performance evaluation of a parallel-hole collimated detector module for animal SPECT imaging

We have built and investigated a detector module for animal SPECT imaging, especially for use in large field of view (FOV) conditions. The module consists of a PMT-based detector and a parallel-hole collimator with an effective area of 80 mm × 80 mm. The detector is composed of a NaI scintillation crystal array coupled to four H8500 position sensitive photomultiplier tubes (PS-PMT). The intrinsic energy resolution of the detector is 11.5% at 140 keV on average. The planar spatial resolution of the module changes from 2.2 mm to 5.1 mm at different source-to-collimator distances with an unchanged sensitivity of about 34cps/MBq. Additionally, the SPECT Micro Deluxe Phantom imaging was performed with a radius of rotation (ROR) of 40 mm. Using the FBP reconstruction algorithm, a high performance image was obtained, indicating the feasibility of this detector module.     

A new positron annihilation lifetime spectrometer based on DRS4 waveform digitizing board

Abstract： A new simple digital positron lifetime spectrometer has been developed. It includes a DRS4 waveform digitizing board and two scintillation detectors based on the XP2020Q photomultiplier tubes and LaBr3 scintillators. The DRS4 waveform digitizing can handle small pulses, down to few tens of millivolts, and its time scale linearity and stability are very good. The new system has reached a 206 ps time resolution, which is better than the conventional analog apparatus using the same detectors. These improvements make this spectrometer more simple and convenient in comparison with other spectrometers, and it can be applied to the other scintillation timing measurements with picosecond accuracy.     

双层深度编码探测器的晶体表面优化

设计了双层LSO晶体和位置灵敏型光电倍增管耦合构成的用于小动物PET成像的 深度编码探测器. 众所周知, 晶体的不同的表面处理影响着光输出量, 进而影响着它们构建的PET探测器的性能. 为了优化设计的深度编码探测器的性能, 测试了两种不同表面处理的LSO闪烁晶体阵列探测器的晶体分辨能力及其能量、时间和空间分辨率, 结果表明, 光滑表面LSO晶体构建的深度编码探测器显示出良好的空间、能量及时间分辨特性.     

Comparison of two position sensitive gamma-ray detectors based on continuous YAP and pixellated NaI(TI) for nuclear medical imaging applications

Dedicated position sensitive gamma-ray detectors based on position sensitive photomultiplier tubes (PSPMTs) coupled to scintillation crystals, have been used for the construction of compact gamma-ray imaging systems, suitable for nuclear medical imaging applications such as small animal imaging and single organ imaging and scintimammography. In this work, the performance of two gamma-ray detectors: a continuous YAP scintillation crystal coupled to a Hamamastu R2486 PSPMT and a pixellated NaI(TI) scintillation array crystal coupled to the same PSPMT, is compared. The results show that the gamma-ray detector based on a pixellated NaI(TI) scintillation array crystal is a promising candidate for nuclear medical imaging applications,since their performance in terms of position linearity, spatial resolution and effective field of view (FOV) is superior than that of the gamma-ray detector based on a continuous YAP scintillation crystal. However, a better photodetector (Hamamatau H8500 Flat Panel PMT, for example) coupled to the continuous crystal is also likely a good selection for nuclear medicine imaging applications.     

A method to enhance coincidence time resolution with applications for medical imaging systems (TOF/PET)

A coincidence timing spectrometer was assembled using NaI(Tl) inorganic and BC418 type organic (plastic) scintillation detectors. The constant fraction timing method was used. Coincidence time resolution values of the detectors, which have great importance in TOF/PET measurements, were obtained separately. The resolutions were enhanced using a different method in a start-stop coincidence spectrometer: the signals from the start detectors were delayed. The results from the FLUKA Monte Carlo simulation code agreed well with the experimental results.     

超导转变边沿单光子探测器原理与研究进展

量子信息技术近十多年来的快速发展对单光子探测器的性能提出了更高的要求,高性能单光子探测器也因此受到了更多的关注.与传统的单光子探测器相比,超导转变边沿(TES)单光子探测器在探测效率、能量分辨、光子数分辨和暗计数等方面具有突出优势.目前,超导TES单光子探测器已经被成功地应用在量子光学实验和量子密钥分配系统中,未来在量子信息技术等研究领域具有更广泛的应用.本文从超导TES单光子探测器的工作原理、制备流程、测试系统、主要性能指标以及研究现状和进展等方面对该探测器技术进行简要综述.     

New log-t-based CFAR detectors for a non-homogeneous Weibull Background

Based on new log-t-based detectors, we propose to improve the detection performances of the log-t-Constant False Alarm Rate (log-t-CFAR) detector for a non-homogeneous Weibull background. This paper is twofold. We first resort to the Automatic Constant False Censoring Rate (CFCR) algorithm, which guarantees an accurate rejection of an a priori unknown number of outliers. That is, we introduce two hybrid detectors by coupling the log-t-CFAR algorithm to the Maximum Likelihood-CFCR (MLE-CFCR) algorithm, yielding the H-MLE/log-t-CFAR detector, and to the Weber-Haykin Constant False Censoring Rate (WH-CFCR) algorithm, yielding the H-WH/log-t-CFAR detector. Then, based on the Variability Index (VI) as a background discriminator, we propose the Switching VI-log-t-CFAR (SVI-log-t-CFAR) detector. Thus, depending on the background heterogeneity, this detector has the capability to switch automatically to the appropriate detector; namely, the log-t-CFAR detector, in case of a homogeneous background, either one of the hybrid detectors, in case of the presence of outliers or the Automatic Edge Censoring log-t-CFAR (AEC-log-t-CFAR) detector, in case of the presence of a clutter edge. We assess the efficiency of these detectors through intensive Monte Carlo simulations. We show that, while no additional detection performances are observed in a homogeneous background, the new detectors exhibit a significant CFAR gain with respect to the log-t-CFAR detector in the presence of any inhomogeneity within the reference window.     

用于DPF装置中子测量的闪烁体探测器

 介绍了一种用于等离子体焦点装置(DPF装置)中子波形测量的塑料闪烁体探测器,该探测器由ST401型塑料闪烁体、XP2262B型光电倍增管构成。利用银活化中子探测器和DPF装置对该塑料闪烁体探测器进行标定,确定其中子灵敏度为0.022 5 pC每中子,,中子产额测量范围达到10⁹～10¹¹每脉冲,可以满足DPF装置中子参数测量的需要。     

Processes in Geophysics Studied by Mössbauer Spectroscopy

Time Differential gamma–gamma Perturbed Angular Correlation spectroscopy has traditionally been done using scintillation detectors along with constant–fraction discriminators, spectroscopy amplifiers, single channel analyzers, and time to amplitude detectors. We describe a new generation spectrometer where these electronics are replaced by high speed digital transient recorders that record the output from each scintillation detector. The energy and time-of-arrival of gamma rays in any detector can be determined accurately. Many experimental difficulties related to electronics are eliminated; the number of detectors can be increased with no increase in complexity of the apparatus; coincidences among any two detectors are measurable; and coincidences separated by as little as a ns are detectable in principle within one detector. All energies are collected, and energy windows are imposed by software filtering, permitting both high energy resolution and high data-gathering power.