Abstract
Abstract
In the present work we describe the design, construction,
and testing of the optical prototype developed for the BOLDPET
project, with the objective of creating a PET detection module with
high spatial and time resolution. The BOLDPET technology uses an
innovative detection liquid, trimethylbismuth, for detecting
511 keV γ-quanta resulting from positron annihilation. The
optical signal is exclusively produced through the Cherenkov
mechanism, and the produced photons are detected using Planacon
microchannel-plate photomultiplier. We achieve an excellent time
resolution of 150 ps (FWHM) within a sizable detection volume
measuring 55 mm× 55 mm× 25 mm.
Through detailed Geant4 simulations, we examine the limiting factors
affecting time resolution and explore potential avenues for
improvement. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of coarse
2D localization of interactions using the optical signal alone,
achieving a precision of about 5–8 mm (FWHM) within the
homogeneous detection volume.