System modeling and evaluation of a prototype inverted-compound eye gamma camera for the second generation MR compatible SPECT

Abstract We have reported the design of the MRC-SPECT-II system based on the inverted-compound-eye (ICE) gamma camera to offer a > 1 % detection efficiency while maintaining a sub- 500 μ m imaging resolution (Lai and Meng, 2018). One of the key challenges of using the ICE camera for SPECT imaging is whether one could develop an accurate point response function (PRF), given its complex aperture design and low fractionation accuracy of 3D printing. In this work, we will discuss (I) a combined experimental and analytical approach for deriving the precise PRF, and (II) an experimental imaging study to demonstrate the feasibility of using the ICE-camera for acquiring high-quality SPECT images with a sub- 500 μ m resolution. These studies would help to overcome one of the major hurdles for implement ICE-cameras for practical SPECT imaging.