The ability to accurately characterize the spatial position and extent of biochemical processes in uivo is a key factor in the emerging field of "molecular nuclear medicine", and imposes demands for substantially improved performance on imaging equipment. This project will develop a new imaging technology based on using a high density semiconductor detector array for the imaging head. Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe), a high,, room temperature detector material, will be used in a configuration that provides submillimeter intrinsic spatial resolution. Phase I will demonstrate feasibility by showing that a high density CdZnTe array and an associated microelectronics readout package can be operated in tandem to perform imaging functions. In Phase II, a full imaging head will be developed and used in clinical measurements.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:A new gamma camera, based on a high density CdZnTe detector array, should have a significant impact on the market for next-generation (molecular) nuclear imagers, estimated to be $1 billion within five years.
