Performance of detector modules for a second-generation RF-penetrable TOF-PET insert for simultaneous PET/MRI

Currently, clinical permanently-integrated PET/MRI systems are available. However, their high cost impedes the wide dissemination of PET/MR imaging. To address this, we have proposed an RF-penetrable time of flight (TOF)-PET insert to achieve simultaneous PET/MRI at a lower cost with no performance compromise; this system can be inserted into any existing MR system and is TOF-capable. This paper evaluates performance of two detector modules. The coincidence timing resolution (CTR) for all positions was in the range from 244.3 ± 0.7 to 260.5 ± 0.9 ps. The energy resolution was from 13.45 ± 0.02 % to 13.64 ± 0.01 %. The error bars for all performance parameters were less than 1%. The results demonstrate the TOF capability of the system and the performance stability to scale up to a full ring.