PET

Positron Emission Tomography is a key methode in modern cancer research to localise the tumor. The modified sugar-like molecule (eaten by the Patient) contains a beta+ source. The emitted positrons get annihilated with an electron, and produces two high energy gamma photons.

The PET detector shall sense these photons, and reconstruct the place of their source thus the tumor. The REGARD Group is working on a gaseous based novel PET detector, which will be way more cost-efficient than the recent commercial devices. Although it cannot measure photon energy, the submillimeter resolution and the compatibility with magnetic field is progressive.

The first small prototype consisted of six multiwire layers having 3D readout. The locally developed amplifiers were read out via FPGA and RaspberryPi. First tests have prooved that the photons from the beta+ decay of Na-22 is measurable. The forthcoming steps include a larger sized double-module, and optimization of the photo-converter layers.

Author: Németh Dániel