Performance study of Silicon Photomultipliers as photon detectors for PET

The use of Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) as photon detectors in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) modules offers significant advantages over conventional light sensors. These advantages include application in a magnetic field, better resolution and easier operation. A STMicroelectronics SiPM prototype (3.5 × 3.5 mm2 in a TO-8 can package) has been tested extensively. Surface sensitivity, gain and dynamic range of the device have been measured at low light intensities. The performance of the SiPM prototype as a photon detector for PET was tested by coupling a LYSO scintillation crystal to the device and using a 22Na point source for 511 keV γ's. Results for these tests are presented in this paper.