A GATE-based Monte Carlo simulation of a dual-layer pixelized gadolinium oxyorthosilicate (GSO) detector performance and response for micro PET scanner

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to simulate the GSO detector of a micro PET using GATE simulation platform. The performance and responses of the simulated GSO detector assembly were evaluated by comparing the simulated data to the experimental and XCOM data to validate the simulation platform and procedure. Based on NEMA NU-4 2008 protocols, the performance of GSO detector in terms of sensitivity was simulated and compared to the experimental data. Similarly, the GSO detector response to photons interaction was simulated and compared against the XCOM data for absorbed intensity ratio in the GSO detector and survived intensity ratio in Pb blocks. Results showed that simulated and experimental sensitivities agreed well with R2 of 0.995 and two overlapping bands at 95% confidence. An agreement with R2 of 0.972 and 0.973 as well as with overlapping bands at 95% confidence was obtained in simulated and XCOM data for absorbed and survived intensity ratio in the GSO detector and Pb blocks, respectively. The observed agreements demonstrate the accuracy of the simulation method to mimic the behaviour of the GSO detector. The validated GATE algorithm for micro PET scanner is therefore recommended for simulation and optimisation of collimator design in further studies.

Keywords: GATE simulation, Experimental data, XCOM data, GSO detector, micro PET.