Positron emission tomography (PET) is a pivotal imaging modality in the medical field, renowned for its sensitivity in detecting cancer spread, monitoring treatment efficacy, studying neurological and cardiac disorders, supporting drug development, and imaging metabolic processes. A significant advancement in PET technology is the incorporation of time-of-flight (TOF) measurements, which enhance image reconstruction by estimating the origin of annihilation events, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) compared to non-TOF systems. Current TOF-PET scanners achieve a time resolution of 180 to 400 picoseconds (ps) full width at half maximum (FWHM), limiting the localization of events to a 3-6 cm region along the line of response. To transcend the 100 ps barrier and approach a 10 ps resolution, comprehensive optimization of the radiation detector chain is essential. This involves a profound understanding of the physics and limitations of each detection component, precise modeling for detector development, exploration of novel materials with rapid response times, advancements in photodetector technology, and innovative ultrafast TOF kernel implementations in image reconstruction. Despite the focus on TOF-PET, other imaging modalities like computed tomography (CT) and prompt gamma imaging in hadron therapy also stand to gain from enhanced timing accuracy, operating across energy ranges from ~10 keV to ~6 MeV.
This research topic aims to advance the field of TOF-based medical imaging by optimizing radiation detectors and exploring novel technologies and methodologies. The primary objectives include improving the time resolution of TOF-PET systems, developing new materials and technologies for enhanced detector performance, and applying innovative approaches to image reconstruction and data analysis. Key questions to be addressed include how to achieve sub-100 ps time resolution, the potential of new scintillators and photodetectors, and the role of advanced data analysis techniques in improving imaging outcomes.
To gather further insights in the optimization and innovation of TOF-based medical imaging, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes: - Development of new or revival of overlooked scintillators/light-emitting materials for medical imaging detectors. - Emerging photodetector technologies for medical imaging (SPAD, LGAD, SiPM, PMT, MCP-PMT). - New readout electronics and ASIC R&D for medical imaging. - Exploiting prompt-light emission in hybrid scintillators to boost coincidence time resolution (CTR). - Exploring TOF-driven data to enhance SNR and create attenuation maps for PET image correction. - Simulation or measurement of the influence of the depth of interaction and light transport inside the scintillator on TOF resolution and possible correction methods. - Multi-channel prototypes and performance evaluation toward a full system. - Advanced analysis (e.g., AI) applied to light-based radiation detectors for medical imaging.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
Methods
Mini Review
Original Research
Perspective
Review
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Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
Methods
Mini Review
Original Research
Perspective
Review
Technology and Code
Keywords: time-of-flight positron emission tomography (TOF-PET), fast timing, coincidence time resolution (CTR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), prompt photon emission, photodetector, scintillating crystal, depth-of-interaction (DOI)
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