Articulating detector array for a gamma camera
First Claim
1. A detector array comprising:
- a plurality of radiation detectors each being mounted in an array with each radiation detector being movable to a plurality of positions, wherein each radiation detector is responsive to gamma radiation from a target for generating corresponding detection signals for use in tomographic imaging of the target;
a base; and
a plurality of articulating support structures, each for mounting a corresponding one of the plurality of radiation detectors to the base and for moving the corresponding radiation detector from a first position to a second position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An articulating detector array for gamma cameras is disclosed which is adaptable to perform different imaging techniques in a single apparatus. The articulating detector array is adapted to detect incident gamma radiation from diverse directions as well as Compton scattering thereof without the need of a collimator, as so has improved gamma ray detection efficiency. The detector array includes radiation detectors in an array and movable to a plurality of positions, in which each radiation detector is responsive to gamma radiation from a target for generating detection signals for use in tomographic imaging of the source. The detector array includes articulating support structures for mounting the detectors to the base and for moving the detectors from a first position to a second position. In one embodiment, the articulating support structures includes a first portion connected to a detector; and a second portion connected to the base, in which the first portion is adapted to extend from the second portion from the first position to the second position. In another embodiment, the articulating support structures include a pivot for pivotably mounting the detectors and for rotating the detectors from a first position to a second position.
69 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A detector array comprising:
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a plurality of radiation detectors each being mounted in an array with each radiation detector being movable to a plurality of positions, wherein each radiation detector is responsive to gamma radiation from a target for generating corresponding detection signals for use in tomographic imaging of the target; a base; and a plurality of articulating support structures, each for mounting a corresponding one of the plurality of radiation detectors to the base and for moving the corresponding radiation detector from a first position to a second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A detector array comprising:
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a plurality of radiation detectors, each pivotably mounted on a corresponding pivot for pivoting the corresponding radiation detector in a plurality of orientations for detecting gamma radiation from a target for generating corresponding detection signals for use in tomographic imaging of the target, said plurality including a first set of radiation detectors in a first position for detecting incident gamma radiation and for scattering the incident gamma radiation by Compton scattering; and a second set of radiation detectors in a second position, wherein the second set of radiation detectors are positioned to detect the scattered gamma radiation. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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9. A method for tomographic imaging using a gamma camera comprising the steps of:
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providing a plurality of radiation detectors of the gamma camera each mounted in an array; moving each radiation detector in selectable orientations dependent upon a selected mode of operation; wherein, in a first mode, the step of moving includes the step of moving the radiation detectors to corresponding positions with a first set of the radiation detectors generating Compton scattered gamma radiation and a second set of the radiation detectors detecting such Compton scattered radiation for performing Compton scatter tomography; and wherein, in a second mode, the step of moving includes the step of moving the radiation detectors about an axis of rotation for receiving radiation from a source aligned with the axis for performing single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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Specification