Development of Micro0-Pattern Detectors for Medical Imaging and Other Applications

Based on our rich experience and expertise on gas detector development, we would like to make use of gas detector for medical imaging. Usual film-based images need larger amount of dose as it needs longer exposure and static condition of body. The use of active device like gas detectors needs order of magnitude lower time of exposure and lower dose. Higher granularity will allow us to have better quality image, processing, manipulation and storing (archiving). Also detection capability of low contrast differences can enhance the early diagnosis of possible tumor tissues.

Conventionally several detector materials like scintillators (NaI), silicon and gases are used for various types of imaging. Depending on the penetration depth and associated efficiency of detection, materials and radiation type are selected. In most of the cases of working with radio-nucleides low energy gamma-rays are used and gas detectors (e.g. MWPC) have been used at several places. Application of gas detectors for imaging have been made in case of hadron therapy and diagnostics as well.

With the advent of high granularity gas detectors with very good (micro level) position resolution and very good time resolution (~pico sec), they have become likely candidates for precision imaging. Latest developments on high granularity gas detectors based on GEM/Micromegas, applications have been made for their use in imaging. Latest development in fast readout and their digital recording takes digital radiography to very advanced stage which gives high resolution image and low radiation dose.

Fast detectors like RPC’s have been found to be used for PET.

We propose to develop micro pattern detectors coupled with solid photo converters (CsI) for efficient photon detection and to achieve high rate capability. The scope of the proposal includes deposition, characterization and optimization of solid photon converter films and integration of these photo-cathodes with micro-pattern based (GEM and MICROMEGAS) gaseous detectors.

Project Co-ordinator : Dr. Subhasis Chattopadhyay

Email : sub@veccal.ernet.in