The University of Arizona

University Patents, Inc.

Herbert B Barber

Harrison H Barrett

Michel M Rogulski

Walter J Wild

Eustace L Dereniak

A hybrid gamma-ray semiconductor detector is used in combination with attenuating apertures of the kind used in emission computed tomography. The detector comprises a slab of semiconductor material partitioned into multiple cells individually connected to a multiplexer through indium-bump pressure welds for the sequential read-out of integrated pulses generated in each cell as a result of gamma-ray absorption events. The single output channel provided by the multiplexer permits the construction of semiconductor sensor cells approximately one millimeter in size for improved spatial resolution of the detector. The greater resolution of the detector makes it possible to narrow the distance between the image forming apertures and the detector's surface, thus minimizing overlapping of the gamma-ray radiation and the size of the overall apparatus. As a result of the smaller acceptable distance between the aperture surface and the detector, it is also possible to have a greater number of apertures without overlap with a resulting substantial improvement in system sensitivity.

Semiconductor sensor for gamma-ray tomographic imaging system

The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for imaging radiation pattern from within a body. In accordance with the preferred method of the invention, there is provided a technique for imaging internal structure of a body which includes the following steps: a radiation-emitting substance is introduced into the body. A miniaturized probe is inserted into the body, the probe being coupled to a cable and including at least one radiation detector surrounded by a coded aperture. Signals are received from the detector via the cable for a series of positions of the probe and for different orientations of the coded aperture with respect to the body. The signals from the detector are processed to obtain an image of the radiation pattern within the body. The imaging hereof allows both the position and the strength of a source (e.g. a tumor) to be determined in the presence of background radiation. The use of an internal probe simultaneously allows advantage to be taken of the increase in count rate and resolution resulting from proximity to the source.

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Tucson, AZ, United States of America

Herbert B Barber