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Collimator design for single photon emission tomography

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Abstract

We discuss recent trends in collimator design and technology, with emphasis on theoretical and practical issues of importance for single photon emission tomography (SPET). The well-known imaging performance parameters of parallel-hole collimators are compared with those of fan-beam collimators, which have enjoyed considerable success in recent years, particularly for brain SPET. We review a simplistic approach to the collimator optimization problem, as well as more sophisticated “task-dependent” treatments and important considerations for SPET collimator design. Practical guidance is offered for understanding trade-offs that must be considered for clinical imaging. Finally, selective comparisons among different SPET systems and collimators are presented for illustrative purposes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, 01609, Worcester, MA, USA

    Stephen C. Moore

  2. Institute of Nuclear Medicine, University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, Middlesex Hospital, Mortimer Street, W1N 8AA, London, UK

    Kypros Kouris & Ian Cullum

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  1. Stephen C. Moore
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  2. Kypros Kouris
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Moore, S.C., Kouris, K. & Cullum, I. Collimator design for single photon emission tomography. Eur J Nucl Med 19, 138–150 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00184130

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