Lateral crystal photodiode readouts and switched diode networks for processing nuclear events

Abstract

A positron emission tomography (PET) scanner may include a plurality of gamma radiation detector modules arranged to form a detector ring. Each detector module may include an array of elongated scintillation crystals. With respect to the detector ring, each elongated scintillation crystal includes a proximal end-face, two axially oriented lateral faces, two transaxially oriented lateral faces, and a distal end-face radially oriented into the detector ring to receive a gamma photon. An array of photosensors is positioned along a first of the axially oriented lateral faces of each elongated scintillation crystal to detect scintillation photons. A reflective material is positioned on the proximal end-face, the distal end-face, the transaxially oriented lateral faces, and a second of the axially oriented lateral faces of each elongated scintillation crystal to internally reflect scintillation photons. In various embodiments, a dual-channel processing circuit provides distinct timing and energy signals from the photosensors.