Development and Design of a Near-Field High-Energy Gamma Camera for Use with Neutron Stimulated Emission Computed Tomography
Date
2007-12-10
Author
Advisors
Tourassi, Georgia D.
Trahey, Gregg E.
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Abstract
A new gamma imaging method, Neutron Stimulated Emission Computed Tomography (NSECT),
is being developed to non-invasively and non-destructively measure and image elemental
concentrations in vivo. In NSECT a beam of fast neutrons (3 - 5 MeV) bombards a target,
inelastically scattering with target nuclei and exciting them. Decay from this excited
state produces characteristic gamma emissions. Collecting the resulting gamma energy
spectrum allows identification of elements present in the target. As these gamma rays
range in energy from 0.3 - 1.5 MeV, outside the useable energy range for existing
gamma cameras (0.1 - .511 MeV), a new gamma imaging method must be developed. The
purpose of this dissertation is to design and develop a near-field (less then 0.5
m) high-energy (0.3 - 1.5 MeV) gamma camera to facilitate planar NSECT imaging. Modifying
a design implemented in space-based imaging (focus of infinity), a prototype camera
was built. Experimental testing showed that the far-field space-based assumptions
were inapplicable in the near-field. A new mathematical model was developed to describe
the modulation behavior in the near-field. Additionally, a Monte Carlo simulation
of the camera and imaging environment was developed. These two tools were used to
facilitate optimization of the camera parameters. Simulated data was then used to
reconstruct images for both small animal and human fields of view. Limitations of
the camera design were identified and quantified. Image analysis demonstrated that
the camera has the potential to identify regions of interest in a human field of view.
Type
DissertationDepartment
Biomedical EngineeringPermalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/446Citation
Sharma, Amy Congdon (2007). Development and Design of a Near-Field High-Energy Gamma Camera for Use with Neutron
Stimulated Emission Computed Tomography. Dissertation, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/446.Collections
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