Method and apparatus for determining and utilizing cross-talk adjusted

Abstract

An apparatus and method for determining the level of cross-talk between scintillating fibers and the secondary attenuation length corresponding to a desired level of cross-talk and for utilizing cross-talk adjusted scintillating fibers in a medical imaging system is provided by the present invention. An input device receives a secondary attenuation length, which is then stored by a memory device. A central processing unit determines a level of cross-talk between scintillating fibers by calculating an average number of visible light photons produced within the fibers due to simulated interaction of an energized particle within the fibers. An output device displays the level of cross-talk. The central processing unit may also determine a plurality of levels of cross-talk for a plurality of secondary attenuation lengths and select a desired secondary attenuation length corresponding to a desired level of cross-talk. Also provided are cross-talk adjusted scintillating fibers, which include a scintillating fiber, a primary dye, and a secondary dye distributed within the fiber to produce the desired level of photon cross-talk. Utilization of cross-talk adjusted scintillating fibers in medical imaging systems is also contemplated.