A CCD-based detector for SPECT

We are investigating the use of a CCD for high-resolution radionuclide imaging. The use of a CCD has the potential to provide very high spatial resolution on the order of 200 to 400 gm, while significantly simplifying the readout electronics. The detector is based on a special CCD with on-chip multiplication gain that allows high-speed operation while maintaining the read noise at a very low level of < 1 electron. To achieve high detection efficiency and excellent spatial resolution for incident gamma flux, a specially fabricated thick microcolumnar CsI(TI) scintillator was optically coupled to the CCD. A prototype SPECT imaging system was assembled by incorporating pinhole/parallel hole collimators in the design. The use of this system for radionuclide imaging has been demonstrated through tomographic imaging of a test phantom filled with Tc-99m.