Validity and limitations of the three-plane Compton-imaging technique via simulations

Abstract

Gamma imaging based on Compton scattering was first proposed approximately 25 years ago as a replacement for mechanically collimated imaging systems. The advantages of such instruments over mechanically collimated systems are a wider field of view, higher efficiency (more source photons are used in the image construction), source localization, use in high-background environments, and non-tomographic three-dimensional imaging of near-field sources. One can also image multi-energy photons by selecting events based on the summed energy deposited in multiple detectors. The traditional example of such imaging systems is a Compton camera. Until recently, limitations with associated hardware have resulted in Compton imaging seeing few applications. However, with advances in high spatial resolution detectors, and further developments in the physical principles there has been a renewed interest in gamma imaging based on Compton scattering in many areas including astronomy and nuclear medicine. In this paper we present an evaluation of a three plane Compton imaging concepts, the three plane Compton imaging technique. Such a technique, if valid, could lead to many useful applications.