Abstract
Optical Monte Carlo simulations have been extensively used for the accurate modeling of light transport in scintillators for the improvement of detector designs. In the present work, a GATE Monte Carlo toolkit was used to study the effect of scintillator thicknesses and septa materials in the performance parameters evaluation of a commercially available small animal gamma-optical camera, named “γ-eye”. Firstly, the simulated γ-eye system was validated against experimental data. Then, part of the validated camera was modeled defining all of the optical properties by means of the UNIFIED model of GATE. Different CsI:Na scintillator crystals with varying thicknesses (from 4 mm up to 6 mm) and different reflector (septa) materials were simulated and compared in terms of sensitivity, light output and spatial resolution. Results have demonstrated the reliability of the model and indicate that the thicker crystal array presents higher sensitivity values, but degraded spatial resolution properties. Moreover, the use of black tape around crystals leads to an improvement in spatial resolution values compared to a standard white reflector material.
Highlights
Scintillation detectors are used as radiation converting media in various applications, from medical imaging to high-energy physics experiments
Due to the progress that has been made in computer science over the years, Monte Carlo simulations can boost the research in such activities
The simulated γ-eye system was validated against experimental data and part of the the simulated γ-eye system was validated against experimental data and part of the validated validated camera was modeled in order to analyze the performance of the small animal system, when camera was modeled in order to analyze the performance of the small animal system, when different different scintillator detector array configurations were applied
Summary
Scintillation detectors are used as radiation converting media in various applications, from medical imaging to high-energy physics experiments. Nuclear medicine devices use such detectors in Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Due to the progress that has been made in computer science over the years, Monte Carlo simulations can boost the research in such activities. Experimental parameters can be modified in such simulations, in comparison to real experiments. The evaluation of any system’s parameter can be done without the added cost of modifying the system or any of its components [1,2,3]. When an ionizing particle deposits energy in a scintillating crystal, electrons are being excited
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
