Performance assessment of a variable field of view and geometry PET animal scanner based on CdTe strip detector blocks

One of the advantages of PET systems based on semiconductors is the potential for improved spatial resolution without an associated deterioration in sensitivity. In addition, the geometry of these detectors allows the potential for flexible scanner architectures to be realized depending on the size of the objects to be imaged. Previous work has demonstrated the potential advantages of strip CdTe detectors for PET applications in terms of spatial and energy resolution without compromising performance in terms of temporal resolution. As part of this work we have been investigating the design and performance of detector blocks, as well as associated electronics and readout multiplexing, based on such strip CdTe detectors.