Scintillator array test method, apparatus, and system
US9696434B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 4, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01T7/00
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus and method for testing scintillator arrays, e.g., crystal arrays for PET imaging. The apparatus includes, a two-sided tray arranged to hold scintillator arrays in either side and slide the arrays into a light-tight box having a radiation source beneath the arrays and photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) above the arrays. When arranged in the testing position with the arrays interposed between the radiation source and the PMTs, ambient light from outside the box is prevented from leaking into the box and high-voltage power is supplied to the PMTs. Otherwise, to prevent PMT damage, the high-voltage is off. The radiation source is an arrangement of sealed low-activity pieces of radioactive elements, thus minimizing requirements for radiation shielding and minimizing safety risks. The method calculates a flood map from scintillation data/counts and performs analysis according to predefined criteria, e.g., the peak-to-valley ratio, to flag arrays exhibiting inferior quality.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.