Three-dimensional coded-aperture techniques in diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging

Coded aperture techniques based on a cyclic difference set uniformly redundant array (URA) can increase sensitivity of an imaging system without degrading the spatial resolution. In this paper, we discuss the pattern design and present its application for diagnostic nuclear medicine imaging with experimental results. Point-like, planar, and three- dimensional 140 keV gamma-ray sources are used in our experiments. We have experimentally demonstrated a three- dimensional coded aperture technique for nuclear medicine imaging and have compared it with conventional collimator systems.