20240037774. THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCINTILLATION DETECTION TECHNIQUE FOR RADIATION DETECTION simplified abstract (Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC)

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THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCINTILLATION DETECTION TECHNIQUE FOR RADIATION DETECTION

Organization Name

Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC

Inventor(s)

Kenneth Edward Gregorich of Bishop CA (US)

THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCINTILLATION DETECTION TECHNIQUE FOR RADIATION DETECTION - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240037774 titled 'THREE-DIMENSIONAL SCINTILLATION DETECTION TECHNIQUE FOR RADIATION DETECTION

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a technique for determining the three-dimensional position of radiation interaction in a scintillator. It involves detecting a scintillation event using a photodetector with a planar surface optically coupled to the scintillator. The photodetector has multiple pixels defined on its surface. The technique calculates the spatial distribution of photons resulting from the scintillation event across the photodetector's surface and determines the angle-dependent quantum efficiency associated with the scintillation event. It then calculates the detector response of the photodetector based on the spatial distribution of photons and the angle-dependent quantum efficiency. By comparing the calculated detector response with the measured detector response, the technique computes the three-dimensional position of the scintillation event.

  • The technique determines the three-dimensional position of radiation interaction in a scintillator.
  • It uses a photodetector with a planar surface and multiple pixels to detect scintillation events.
  • The spatial distribution of photons resulting from the scintillation event is calculated across the photodetector's surface.
  • The angle-dependent quantum efficiency of the photodetector associated with the scintillation event is determined.
  • The detector response of the photodetector is calculated based on the spatial distribution of photons and the angle-dependent quantum efficiency.
  • The three-dimensional position of the scintillation event is computed by comparing the calculated detector response with the measured detector response.

Potential Applications

  • Medical imaging: This technique can be used in medical imaging devices such as positron emission tomography (PET) scanners to accurately determine the position of radiation interactions, improving the quality and accuracy of diagnostic images.
  • Nuclear physics research: The technique can be applied in nuclear physics experiments to precisely locate radiation interactions, aiding in the study of particle interactions and properties.
  • Radiation therapy: In radiation therapy, this technique can help in accurately targeting tumors and minimizing damage to healthy tissues by precisely determining the position of radiation interactions.

Problems Solved

  • Accurate position determination: The technique solves the problem of accurately determining the three-dimensional position of radiation interactions in a scintillator, which is crucial in various fields such as medical imaging and nuclear physics research.
  • Angle-dependent quantum efficiency: By considering the angle-dependent quantum efficiency of the photodetector, the technique addresses the challenge of accurately accounting for the varying efficiency of photon detection at different angles.

Benefits

  • Improved imaging accuracy: The technique improves the accuracy of imaging systems by precisely determining the position of radiation interactions, leading to higher quality and more reliable images.
  • Enhanced research capabilities: In nuclear physics research, the technique enables precise localization of radiation interactions, allowing for more accurate analysis of particle interactions and properties.
  • Targeted radiation therapy: In radiation therapy, the technique helps in precisely targeting tumors and minimizing damage to healthy tissues, improving the effectiveness and safety of treatment.


Original Abstract Submitted

a technique for determining the three-dimensional position of radiation interaction in a scintillator is disclosed. the method comprises detecting a scintillation event within a scintillator to produce a measured detector response, by using a photodetector that has a planar surface optically coupled to the scintillator and that has a plurality of pixels defined on the planar surface. the method further comprises calculating a spatial distribution of photons, resulting from the scintillation event, across the planar surface of the detector, and determining an angle-dependent quantum efficiency of the photodetector, associated with the scintillation event. the method further comprises calculating a detector response of the photodetector based on the spatial distribution of photons and the angle-dependent quantum efficiency, to produce a calculated detector response; and computing a position in three dimensions of the scintillation event based on the calculated detector response and the measured detector response.