Conventional radiation imaging systems such as PET and SPECT are bulky, fragile, and restricted to stationary environments, limiting their accessibility and application flexibility. These systems often suffer from poor spatial and temporal resolution, limited sensitivity, and high operational costs, while being power-intensive and sensitive to temperature and electromagnetic interference. The result is slower imaging, higher radiation doses, and difficulty integrating with modalities like MRI. A lightweight, autonomous, and high-resolution detector that can operate in variable environments with low power consumption is urgently needed for next-generation imaging and detection systems.
The invention features a three-dimensional array of scintillation detector elements, each integrating a scintillator, a solid-state photodetector, and local processing electronics within a compact unit. Each module digitizes photon events with timing resolution below 300 picoseconds and communicates over a shared, addressable packet-switched digital network synchronized by distributed clock control. The modular design provides depth-of-interaction data and can be configured in flexible geometries, enabling conformable imaging systems such as wearable PET helmets or deployable gamma-ray cameras. This architecture allows autonomous, scalable, high-resolution radiation detection for medical, industrial, and security applications.
• Exceptional timing resolution (<300 ps) for precise coincidence detection and high-quality time-of-flight imaging.
• Three-dimensional modular detector architecture enabling depth-of-interaction imaging and geometric flexibility.
• Lightweight, low-power, and rugged design suitable for wearable and portable applications.
• Autonomous module operation with distributed clock synchronization and digital communication.
• High spatial resolution (~1 mm) and enhanced sensitivity (up to 250% increase in solid angle coverage).
• MRI compatibility and environmental stability for use in diverse or integrated imaging environments.
• Cost-effective, scalable manufacturing and modular assembly for multiple deployment scales.
• United States, 15/080,073, Utility, 3/24/2016, Patented 3/28/2017, US 9,606,245
• United States, 15/468,968, Utility, 3/24/2017, Patented 12/5/2017, US 9,835,737
Prototype
This technology is available for licensing.
Strong potential for medical imaging companies, defense and security organizations, and industrial inspection providers seeking portable, high-resolution, and scalable radiation detection and imaging solutions.
Information available upon request.