2021 Volume 39 Issue 5 Pages 223-228
In the 1970s, the Compton camera was proposed both for space physics and nuclear medicine as an innovative method for imaging gamma-rays, but there has been no mutual communication between the two fields since then. On the other hand, the advanced technology developed in satellite experiments, where the power, space and weight are extremely limited, will surely be useful in medical imaging. In this paper, we introduce “active” dynamic imaging based on an inexpensive and ultra-compact Compton camera using a high-performance scintillator coupled with MPPC arrays. In particular, we propose a technological innovation through the collaboration of space/nuclear (basic science) and medical (clinical/therapeutic imaging, etc.), as well as novel “active radiation imaging” of drugs as a new idea obtained from space satellite experiments.
