PURPOSE: We characterized the signals obtained from the components of a small gamma camera using NaI(Tl)-position sensitive photomultiplier tube (PSPMT) and optimized the parameters employed in the modules of the system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The small gamma camera system consists of a NaI(Tl) crystal (60x60x6 mm3) coupled with a Hamamatsu R3941 PSPMT, a resister chain circuit, preamplifiers, nuclear instrument modules (NIMs), an analog to digital converter and a personal computer for control and display. The PSPMT was read out using a resistive charge division circuit which multiplexes the 34 cross wire anode channels into 4 signals (X+, X-, Y+, Y-). Those signals were individually amplified by four preamplifiers and then, shaped and amplified by amplifiers. The signals were discriminated and digitized via triggering signal and used to localize the position of an event by applying the Anger logic. The gamma camera control and image display was performed by a program implemented using a graphic software. RESULTS: The characteristics of signal and the parameters employed in each module of the system were presented. The intrinsic sensitivity of the system was approximately 8x103 counts/sec/microcurie. The intrinsic energy resolution of the system was 18% FWHM at 140 keV. The spatial resolution obtained using a line-slit mask and 99mTc point source were, respectively, 2.2 and 2.3 mm FWHM in X and Y directions. Breast phantom containing 2~7 mm diameter spheres was successfully imaged with a parallel hole collimator. The image displayed accurate size and activity distribution over the imaging field of view. CONCLUSION: We proposed a simple method for development of a small gamma camera and presented the characteristics of the signals from the system and the optimized parameters used in the modules of the small gamma camera.
Anger ; Breast ; Electrodes ; Gamma Cameras* ; Logic ; Masks ; Microcomputers

PURPOSE: The conventional gamma camera is not ideal for scintimammography because of its large detector size ( 500 mm in width) causing high cost and low image quality. We are developing a small gamma camera dedicated for breast imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The small gamma camera system consists of a NaI (Tl) crystal (60 mm X60 mm X6 mm) coupled with a Hamamatsu R3941 Position Sensitive Photomultiplier Tube (PSPMT), a resister chain circuit, preamplifiers, nuclear instrument modules, an analog to digital converter and a personal computer for control and display. The PSPMT was read out using a standard resistive charge division which multiplexes the 34 cross wire anode channels into 4 signals (X, X, Y, Y ). Those signals were individually amplified by four preamplifers and then, shaped and amplified by amplifiers. The signals were discriminated and digitized via triggering signal and used to localize the position of an event by applying the Anger logic. RESULTS: The intrinsic sensitivity of the system was approximately 8,000 counts/.'ec/pCi. High quality flood and hole mask images were obtained. Breast phantom containing 2-7 mm diameter spheres was successfully imaged with a parallel hole collimator. The image displayed accurate size and activity distribution over the imaging field of view. CONCLUSION: We have succesfully developed a small gamma camera using NaI(T1)-PSPMT and nuclear instrument modules. The small gamma camera developed in this study might imprnve the diagnostic accuracy of scintimammography by optimally imaging the breast.
Anger ; Breast Neoplasms ; Breast* ; Electrodes ; Gamma Cameras* ; Logic ; Masks ; Microcomputers