Single channel optimization for an endoscopic time-of-flight positron emission tomography detector

An endoscopic time-of-flight PET detector combined with an ultrasound probe will be designed and built to develop new biomarkers for pancreas and prostate tumors. The detector will consist of a PET head mounted on an ultrasound endoscope and an external PET detector plate with small crystals individually read out via silicon photomultipliers (SiPM). A 200 ps coincidence time resolution for background rejection outside the 3 cm region of interest is required by the system. Single channel simulation and optimization regarding crystal geometry and photodetector characteristics is discussed. System integration issues are studied with the experience gained on a PET prototype.